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Monarda didyma ‘Coral Reef’ (Bee Balm)

Bee Balm 'Coral Reef', Bergamot 'Coral Reef'

Monarda didyma 'Coral Reef',Bee Balm 'Coral Reef', Bergamot 'Coral Reef', Pink Monarda, Pink Bee Balm, Pink flowers

Almost fluorescent, Monarda ‘Coral Reef’ (Bee Balm) is a clump-forming perennial boasting masses of unique coral pink flowers, borne in dense, globular terminal heads. Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, they rest upon a whorl of decorative bracts. The colorful and nectar-rich blooms ensure that butterflies and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the garden. Their vibrant color is set off to perfection by the dark green leaves, which are delightfully fragrant and can be enjoyed in salads or simply by passing by. This Monarda enjoys a good resistance to powdery mildew. Introduced by Agriculture Canada from its breeding program in Morden, Manitoba.

  • Grows in clumps of upright stems, up to 3-4 ft tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 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
Common names Scarlet Beebalm, Bergamot, Bee Balm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 40" (100cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Monarda media (Purple Bergamot)
Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ (Bee Balm)
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm)
Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm)
Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ (Bee Balm)
Monarda bradburiana (Eastern Bee Balm)

Recommended Companion Plants

Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’ (Garden Phlox)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ (Coneflower)
Agastache rugosa f. albiflora ‘Alabaster’ (Korean Mint)
Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (Giant Hyssop)
Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ (Sneezeweed)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
How to Cultivate a Thriving Bee-Friendly Garden
Hummingbird
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
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
Common names Scarlet Beebalm, Bergamot, Bee Balm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 40" (100cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Monarda (Bee Balm)
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Monarda (Bee Balm)
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