Monarda didyma

Beebalm is a showy herbaceous perennial herb in the Mint family, very popular in Southeastern gardens for its long bloom time and easy nature. Bright red, somewhat coarse flowers are supported by sturdy, three-foot tall, square stems in July and August here in the piedmont, making excellent cut flowers.Our southern Appalachians are actually the southernmost tip of the range of this plant which hales from “Up East” (it is not reported in our piedmont or coastal plain). The leaves are fragrant and have been used to make tea since Europeans were taught how to do so by the American (Oswego) Indians (New York). The plants attract hummingbirds, butterflies (especially fritillaries) and bees, and spread in the garden by rhizomes and by self-seeding. A tendency towards powdery mildew can be minimized by growing in full sun and thinning the stand for better air circulation..