Monarda didyma Dancing Bird - Beebalm

Monarda didyma 'Dancing Bird', also known as bergamot, has a particularly compact vegetation and offers pretty flowers in summer ranging from pink-magenta to fluorescent pink. The finely cut petals are arranged in a fountain shape around a well-defined centre and the flowers sit above dark green, very healthy and strongly aromatic foliage. This perennial is an accommodating, nectar-rich plant, ideal for sunny flower beds or cool undergrowth. It thrives in ordinary soil, moist but not too dry, in full sun or partial shade.

Monarda didyma 'Dancing Bird' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. It was discovered in 2016 and is one of the many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two wild species, Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa, both native to North America. It is an herbaceous perennial, displaying a bushy tufted growth habit, 50 cm (20in) in height and width. Flowering occurs from July to August for 8 weeks in the heart of summer. The flowers have a unique tousled shape at the top of upright stems. They consist of long curved tubular flowers measuring 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) long, surrounded by ruby bracts with a chartreuse base, and have two lips. The upper lip is upright and the lower lip is divided into three lobes and more spread out. The buds that renew within the flower crown are also chartreuse, offering a nice contrast with the flowers. The flowers are attractive to bees and pollinators. The dark green foliage is aromatic, emitting a characteristic citrus scent when crushed. The leaves are opposite, veined and toothed, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in length. This plant spreads through rhizomes to cover the ground in two or three years without becoming invasive. It is hardy and can also be long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

Monarda didyma 'Dancing Bird' pairs well with summer-flowering perennials in vibrant or pastel colours in beds and borders. Plant it in groups of six to create a beautiful mass of flowers and combine it with orange, yellow and pink hollyhocks or fuchsia-pink spiked speedwells. Monarda Dancing Bird also pairs well with Asters lateriflorus, Campanula lactiflora, Echinaceas, and many other perennial plants in late summer. It is also suitable for planting in borders and along the banks of water features, where it enjoys the moisture. It can be found in meadows and forests and its flowers are delightful for creating beautiful bouquets. It is worth noting that Monarda contains essential oils similar to those of thyme. Fresh or dried Monarda leaves or flowers can be used to make tea. The young shoots can also be used in salads or in stuffing.