 |
 |
Common Name: Bee Balm, Oswego Tea
Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
Family: Lamiaceae
Serendipity Ranch
Columbus, North Carolina
June 29, 2002
|
|
Bushy, leafy clumps spread rapidly at edges and can be invasive. Dark green leaves grow 4 - 6 inches long, have strong, pleasant odor like blend of mint and basil. In summer, upright square stems are topped by tight clusters of long-tubed flowers much visited by hummingbirds. Plant 10 inches apart. Divide every 3 or 4 years. Not long lived. Prone to mildew and other leaf diseases in humid weather. Native to eastern U.S. Basic species has scarlet flowers surrounded by reddish bracts. Garden selections and hybrids include scarlet 'Adam'; pink 'Croftway Pink' and 'Granite Pink'; 'Snow White'; and dark red 'Mahogany'. A very old selection, "Cambridge Scarlet', is still widely grown. Mildew-resistant types include 'Violet Queen' and pink 'Marshall's Delight'. If spent flowers are removed, all selections bloom over 2 months or more. Don't let soil dry out. [Bender, Steve, Southern Living Garden Book, The. Oxmoor House, Inc., Book Division of Southern Progress Corporation, Birmingham, 1998]
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Alphabetical Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Family Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Genus Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z