Monarda didyma – Bee Balm; Oswego Tea

A US native wildflower with showy red blooms and strikingly accented green foliage. This species, well-known for attracting a wide variety of pollinators, is a favorite in many gardens and landscapes across the country. A well-known perennial that reaches 5 feet at maximum height and slowly spreads by rhizome to form a colony. The crushed leaves have a scent slightly reminiscent of Oregano, owing to the presence of the chemical cavacrol which is found in each of these plants, although a close relative, M. fistulosa, has a much more pronounced Oregano-like scent. The leaves and flowers are useful as a spice, garnish to a salad, or can be brewed with tea to impart an Earl Grey-like flavor. The plant has important medicinal uses amongst Indigenous Peoples across the continent. Native to a disjointed segment of the US: from Maine and Ontario to Georgia, northwest to Missouri and Minnesota; also Washington and Oregon.

Plant in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of most soil types, from sand to clay

Jacob Cline shares many characteristics of the species Monarda didyma. Distinguished by a larger size, it also has powdery mildew and fungal rust resistance. ‘Jacob Cline’ is also considered to be the showiest of the red-flowered forms of Monarda didyma.

Raspberry Wine has Deep raspberry red blossoms and is also very showy. Fragrant foliage. Blooms July-August, long blooming. Medicinal. Prefers moisture, sun/part shade, and good air circulation. This variety is among those that are much less susceptible to powdery mildew. A favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Zones 4-10