I know my woodland garden is entering a new phase when the beebalm starts blooming. Summer and humid days are here, the canopy above is much more stingy with letting light through (even the caterpillar damaged twigs are sprouting new leaves), and lush growth is all around. At the same time days are getting noticably shorter already and I can’t help but think that fall is right around the corner.
Beebalm announces my red period, if my garden were art. I have lots and lots of beebalm, mostly the scarlet native variety, but a few cultivars also, with deeper shades of red and even purple. Cardinal flower will soon join the fray. After this comes a prolonged yellow/blue period, up to frost…
Monarda didyma is native to eastern North America and produces beautiful red flower tufts on long stems with dark leaves. It produces a minty aroma, which was recognized by native Americans and early settlers who made tea from the leaves when no proper tea was available. There are other kitchen uses as well: The flowers can be added to salads as a garnish, and the dried leaves can replace oregano in cooking. Its crushed leaves, which have a peppery flavor, can be applied to bean dishes, pasta, pizza and stews as seasoning. However, the main reason I have the plant in my yard is because it is a major hummingbird nectar source.
Linnaeus named the genus Monarda in honor of a 16th century Spanish physician and botanist, Nicolas Bautista Monardes (1493-1588). Monardes never got to see the plant in its environment but was able to study medicinal plants in his homeland since the Spanish controlled much of the new world.
Monarda didyma "Jacob Cline" variety, with bumblebee July 8 2011
Bee Balm is a heavy feeder and a good organic mulch will help keep it going. Also, the plant has somewhat of a habit of dying off in the original spot planted. You should disturb the soil and let it grow back in from rhizomes from outside that location.
Later in the summer, you may need to stake it as it becomes susceptible to being blown over by high winds, especially when in bloom with the heavy flowerheads. You also need to watch out for powdery mildew – this will lead to leafloss. Some cultivars are mildew resistant, or so it is claimed… You can force the plant to produce flowers throughout most of the summer. Cut off the dead flowerhead just above the leaves below it. You will get two new flowers…
Monarda didyma "Marshall's Delight" July 8 2011
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