Overview
Monarda didyma is a perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda didyma grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to N America.
About the genus
Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America. Common names include bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange.
Wikipedia contributors, "Monarda", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monarda
In the garden
Monarda didyma is a North American perennial notable for its aromatic leaves and red summer blooms. It is deciduous and valued where leaf scent is wanted as much as the flowers, which appear from June to September. Plant it in full sun to bring out the foliage scent and to encourage the flowering season. Soil need is broad: sandy, loamy or clay soils suit it provided they remain moist but well drained. The UK hardiness rating H7 means it tolerates exposed and cold winter conditions across the British Isles; the USDA range 4–10 indicates the species can tolerate a wide climatic span. Keep soil consistently damp rather than bone dry for best summer display. In a UK garden, Monarda didyma sits well at the back or middle of a sun border, beside paths or patios where the leaf fragrance can be enjoyed, or planted close to seating. Because the foliage is aromatic when handled, placing plants within reach of a chair or walkway makes the scent an intentional part of the planting scheme. Crush a leaf to release its bergamot-like scent and confirm its name.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Monarda
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Monarda didyma size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Native to
- N America
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda didyma?
Monarda didyma prefers full sun.
What soil does Monarda didyma need?
Monarda didyma is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda didyma hardy in the UK?
Monarda didyma has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Monarda genus
- Monarda didyma 'Adam'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'Cambridge Scarlet Bee Balm
- Monarda didyma 'Croftway Pink'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda fistulosaAmerican wild bergamot
- Monarda fistulosa 'Magnifica'Magnifica bee balm
- Monarda fistulosa 'Prairie Night'Prairie Night Bee Balm
- Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen')Snow Maiden Bee Balm