Monarda didyma Pink Supreme

The 'Pink Supreme' Bee Balm is a variety of bergamot selected for its semi-compact, well-balanced habit, making it suitable for both cottage gardens and pots. This perennial's summer flowering is as colourful as it is abundant, with its fluffy flowers in a beautiful cherry pink blooming for almost three months. This plant is melliferous, attracting and nourishing bees and other butterflies. Its foliage also leaves a delightful citrus aroma on your fingers.

The 'Pink Supreme' Bee Balm belongs to the mint family, which includes numerous medicinal and aromatic plants. It is one of the many hybrids of Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa, both native to North America. This herbaceous, deciduous perennial emerges in spring and dries up in autumn. The plant forms an upright clump, reaching a height of 65cm and spreading up to 40cm. Flowering starts in July and can last until September if faded flowers are removed. The fluffy shape of these inflorescences is what makes the Bee Balm unique. They consist of curving flowers, measuring 5 to 7cm in length, in a vibrant pink colour, surrounded by purplish bracts. Each flower has two lips, an erect upper lip and a lower lip divided into three lobes, which are more spread out. The inflorescences are perched on upright stems and are melliferous and nectariferous. The foliage, which is dark green to olive green in this variety, is aromatic. When crushed, it emits a pleasant citrus scent, characteristic of the plant. The leaves are opposite, veined and toothed, measuring 10 to 15cm in length, and often attract insects. This plant spreads in the soil through its fine rhizomes, without becoming invasive. It is very hardy and can also be long-lived if grown under suitable conditions.

In flower beds and borders, the 'Pink Supreme' Bee Balm pairs well with summer perennials such as coneflowers in shades of pink or mauve, white, mauve or pink panicle phlox, and daylilies in pastel tones. Plant it in groups of 5 to 6 for a stunning display of flowers. The Bee Balm blends its blooms with those of summer asters and Bellflower Campanula lactiflora. It is also suitable for container planting, and its flowers are delightful for creating beautiful bouquets.

It is worth noting that Bee Balm contains essential oils similar to those of thyme, the benefits of which were already known to Native Americans in North America. Monarde tea can be made from the leaves or flowers, whether fresh or dried. Young shoots can also be used in salads or as stuffing for roasts.