Monarda didyma, is a native American perennial herb that reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and brings beautiful color to the garden in late June and early July. It loves sunny areas but will grow on the fringes of shade as well. It comes in shades of red, pink and purples. I have even seen some blue hybrids. It is ften called bee balm because it attracts the bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden as well. It is a very tasty tea and in fact is often erroneously called "Bergamot' because to the Colonists it tasted so similar to Earl Grey tea. (The Bergamot that gives Earl Grey its distinctive flavor is a citrus.)
5 comments:
I love Bee Balm and have been able to get it started in my flower garden. I've seen hummingbirds visiting it several times this year!
I love bee balm for all the qualities you mentioned, and because it's so pretty. It's on my list of 'plants I want to add to my garden'. Thank you for clearing up the bergamot thing.
It's a gorgeous flower! My Mom always has lots of this in her garden. And any thing we can do to help all the little bees, we will do.
I love its frilly look too!
I love monarda in the garden, but don't have any this year. I did find it in another garden recently and just had to photograph it.
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