Red Beebalm
A popular garden perennial, Red Beebalm (Monarda didyma) holds a special place in the midsummer color scheme with its bright scarlet flowers. As the name suggests it is favored by pollinators, and is highly attractive to …
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
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Soil Moisture | Medium, Moist |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Partial |
Height | 3' - 5' |
Bloom Color | Red |
Bloom Time | June, July, Aug |
Spacing | 18" |
Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7 |
Root Type | Rhizome |
Benefits | Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Host Plant |
A popular garden perennial, Red Beebalm (Monarda didyma) holds a special place in the midsummer color scheme with its bright scarlet flowers. As the name suggests it is favored by pollinators, and is highly attractive to hummingbirds as well. Native to the Appalachian Mountains, Monarda Didyma grows well in zones 4-7, and does best in a rich soil with plenty of organic matter to help provide moisture during the heat of summer. Other common names include Oswego Tea and Scarlet Beebalm.
As a host plant Red Beebalm is associated with the Hermit Sphinx (Sphinx eremitus), the Gray Marvel moth (Agriopodes teratophora), and the Pyralid Moth (Pyrausta orphisalis).