Monarda Bee Balm

The Monarda Bee Balm plant is a North American perennial plant that does well in woodland areas. It is a genus of blooming plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. The common plant names include Oswego, bergamot, and horsemint. They do well in the sun and well-drained, moist soil. The plants that are grown in partial shade produce fewer flowers and spread horizontally.

Monarda Bee Balm Gets Quite Large

A mature plant is 24 to 48 inches high and 12 inches wide. The plant does well in a rich and wet soil with a pH range of 6.5. The plant is known to grow best in the hardiness zones 4 to 9. The plant has a flower that is open and is shaped like a daisy with tube-shaped petals in the gloom of purple, white, red and pink. There are fifteen kinds and over fifty different cultivars of the plant that are grown in gardens, while some are found in the wild. Their plant's flowering period is in the months of July to August.

Monarda Bee Balm Has A Rich History

The Monarda Bee Balm name is inherent to North America got its botanical name form a Spanish physician in the 16th century, Nicholas Mornadez. He was the first to discover and define the plant. Early American settlers called it Oswego since it was being used by the Oswego Indians. Currently, Bergamot is also referred to as Scarlet.

• The plant is also preferred by all pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• It contains high concentrations of thymol, which is a strong antiseptic found in mouthwash.

Monarda Bee Balm Info

Hardy Planting Zones- 4-9

Sun or Shade – Part Shade to Total Sun

Mature Height - 3-4'

Mature Width- 2-3'

Bloom Season – Late Summer

Gardener Status- Beginner

Soil Type- any moist soil