How to Grow and Care for Scarlet beebalm

Scarlet beebalm, also known as Bergamot, Oswego tea, Crimson beebalm, Scarlet monarda, Red beebalm

Scarlet beebalm is known for its vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage, commonly grown in gardens for its ornamental and pollinator-friendly qualities. The plant thrives with full sun exposure and well-draining soil, adjusting to both dry and moist conditions. Special care points for scarlet beebalm include ensuring good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and regular deadheading to promote continuous blooming. As long as these needs are met, scarlet beebalm is generally an easy plant to care for.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Scarlet beebalm

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	4-10

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Varieties of Scarlet beebalm

Scarlet beebalm 'Fireball'

Scarlet beebalm 'Fireball' is a striking and easy-to-grow perennial that attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies with its sweet, minty scent. It also makes a great addition to salads and teas, with its spicy and citrusy flavor.

Scarlet beebalm 'Purple Lace'

Scarlet beebalm 'Purple Lace' is smaller than its parent plant, with a final height of only 36 cm. It is named for its vibrant magenta cluster of tubular flowers that lend a burst of brilliant color. They are perfect for luring hummingbirds and butterflies to take a rest in any garden.

Scarlet beebalm 'Marshall's Delight'

Scarlet beebalm 'Marshall's Delight' is a beebalm that has such a showy pink flower it was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. In contrast, wild beebalms have red flowers. The flowers are fragrant and attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This Canadian hybrid was selected for its bright flowers and its resistance to mildew,

Scarlet beebalm 'Lilac Lollipop'

Scarlet beebalm 'Lilac Lollipop' was cultivated from its parent plant for wider and brighter flowers, formed in tight clumps. They are a luxurious lilac hue rather than the usual darker purple, and this plant grows a bit shorter. Finally, this cultivar is more resistant to powdery mildew, with reddish tinged stems and an herbaceous scent.

Scarlet beebalm 'Prarienacht'

Scarlet beebalm 'Prarienacht' is a cultivated plant from the mint family. "Prarienacht" or "Prairie Night" is bred for its purple flower heads, along with its scented foliage used for flavoring in Earl Grey tea. It is an older cultivar, but its purple flowers and fragrant leaves make it stand out from others in the genus.

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More General Info About Scarlet beebalm

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Quickly Identify Scarlet beebalm

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Scarlet beebalm boasts distinctive physical traits that aid in its recognition. This perennial showcases rigid, square stems paired with coarse, hairy leaves positioned oppositely. Unique to scarlet beebalm are the minuscule, leafy shoots nestled at the leaf axils. Its inflorescences are notable, comprising condensed clusters enveloped by leaf-like bracts. The flowers present a two-lipped appearance with extended, slender corolla tubes, reminiscent of decorative, elongated spouts. These key features render scarlet beebalm identifiable in its natural setting.