Monarda Bee-True - Beebalm

Monarda 'Bee-True' is part of the Bee-You series, whose floriferous and compact cultivars, are known for their resistance to powdery mildew. 'Bee True' is a nectar-rich variety with raspberry-red flowers with a deep red centre and a velvety appearance. Its rich and vibrant flowers bloom all summer long with shiny, finely-cut petals like ruffled bracts, above small purple-green bracts. This tall perennial, also known as Bergamot, is distinguished by its vigorous growth. It has dark green, aromatic, toothed and veined foliage, further accentuating the flamboyant colour of the flowers. It is an easy plant to grow in moist and fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is also an excellent cut flower.

Monarda 'Bee True' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. This herbaceous perennial is part of the numerous hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two wild species, Monarda didyma, the Purple Bergamot, and M. fistulosa, both native to North America. It forms a compact, upright clump 50 cm (20in) in all directions. Flowering occurs for 8 weeks in the middle of summer from July to September with unique, tousled flowers. They are composed of small flowers 4 to 5 cm (2in) long, surrounded by bracts resembling small leaves, and have an upright upper lip and a more spread-out lower lip divided into three lobes, perched on upright stems. Bees and pollinators love the flowers. The dark green, aromatic and healthy foliage emits a characteristic citrus scent when crushed. The opposite, veined, and toothed leaves measure 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long and often attract insects. This plant covers the ground in two or three years without becoming invasive. It is very hardy and long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

Monarda Bee True goes well with summer-flowering perennials in vibrant colours like Helianthus or pastel colours like Phlox. Plant it in groups of six to create a beautiful mass of flowers, and associate it with Daylilies. In late summer, it pairs well with Asters, Bellflowers, Echinaceas, and other perennial plants. This compact variety also thrives in pots. Its flowers are delightful and long-lasting as cut flowers.

It is worth noting that Monarda contains essential oils similar to those of thyme and its fresh or dried leaves or flowers can be used to make herbal tea. The young shoots can be used in salads or stuffing.