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Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ (Bee Balm)

Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet', Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet', Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet',Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet', Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet', red Monarda, red bee balm, red flowers, Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Noted for its large flowers, 3.5 in. across (8 cm), Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ (Bee Balm) is a clump-forming perennial boasting brilliant deep-scarlet flowers, borne in dense, globular terminal heads. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to early fall, they rest upon a whorl of decorative brownish-red bracts and attract scores of butterflies and hummingbirds. Their vibrant color is set off to perfection by the bronze-tinged, oval leaves, which are delightfully fragrant and can be enjoyed in salads or simply by passing by.

  • Grows in clumps of upright stems, up to 3 ft tall (90 cm)
  • Performs best in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It is not too fussy about soils, provided they are consistently kept moist. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow it to dry out in summer. Providing good air circulation to combat powdery mildew is important.
  • This showy perennial is a striking addition to informal borders or prairies and meadows. The boldness of its blooms makes it terrific for massing or as an accent plant. Great for containers, it makes excellent cut flowers too.
  • Monarda flowers attract streams of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, but this plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Fast-growing, Monarda spreads vigorously and will need to be divided every 3 years.
  • Should be cut to the ground after flowering to promote the growth of new healthy shoots and leaves.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Monarda
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Monarda media, Purple Bergamot, Purple Monarda, Purple Bee Balm, Lavender Monarda, Lavender Bee Balm, Lavender flowers
Monarda 'Blue Stocking', Bee Balm 'Blue Stocking', Bergamot 'Blue Stocking', Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', purple Bee Balm, purple flowers
Monarda didyma, Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego Tea, Red Bergamot, Bergamot, Bee Balm, Bee Balm Tea Plant, Fragrant Balm, Hare Mint, Indian Feathers, Indian Plume,
Monarda citriodora, Lemon Beebalm, Purple Horsemint, Lemon Mint, Plains Horsemint, Lemon Horsemint, Horsemint, Purple Lemon Mint, Bergamot, Monarda dispersa, Monarda aristata, Monarda tenuiaristata, Purple Monarda, Purple Bee Balm, Purple flowers,
Monarda 'Raspberry Wine',Bee balm 'Raspberry Wine', Bergamot 'Raspberry Wine', Red Monarda, Red bee balm, Red flowers
Monarda bradburiana, Eastern Bee Balm, Eastern Beebalm, Pink Monarda, Pink Bee Balm, Pink flowers,

Recommended Companion Plants

Imperata Cylindrica 'Red Baron', Japanese Blood Grass 'Red Baron', Imperata Cylindrica 'Rubra', Cogon Grass 'Red Baron', Imperata Cylindrica var. Koenigii, Ornamental grasses, Ornamental grass, Decorative grasses, grasses, Red Grasses
Phlox Paniculata 'Blue Paradise', Phlox 'Blue Paradise', Border Phlox 'Blue Paradise', Fall Phlox 'Blue Paradise', Garden Phlox 'Blue Paradise', Perennial Phlox 'Blue Paradise', Summer Phlox 'Blue Paradise'
Lythrum Salicaria, Purple Loosetrife, Purple flowers, Pink flowers
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm',Black-Eyed Susan 'Goldsturm', Coneflower 'Goldsturm', Echinacea 'Yellow Storm', Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii 'Goldsturm', Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', late summer perennial, golden flowers, yellow perennial
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Monarda
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Monarda
Guides with
Monarda
Not sure which Monarda to pick?
Compare Now

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