A.k.a. red/crimson beebalm and Oswego tea. A more robust Monarda than the better known wild bee balm, with larger flowers. Petals are a striking bright red, and a colony in bloom is an absolute show stopper! Will spread steadily by rhizomes. As a mint, it is rarely bothered by browsers.

Like many monarda, scarlet bee balm is prone to powdery mildew. If powdery mildew is significant, try moving the plant to an area with different conditions (more or less sun/water, more airflow).  

Light: Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Loam

Height: 2’-3’

Bloom Color: Red

Bloom Time: Jun-Aug

Root Type: Rhizome

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract hummingbirds, large butterflies, and bumblebees. Hosts moths such as the hermit sphinx and grey marvel. Foliage is strongly flavored and rarely browsed.