Monarda Feuerschopf - Beebalm

Monarda 'Feuerschopf' is a variety with rare, light and intense red flowers. This tall variety is loved for the brilliance of its flowers crowned with purple bracts. In the heart of summer, its round and tousled inflorescences stand out above a tuft of long, beautiful, pleasantly aromatic, deep green leaves. It is an easy tall perennial for ordinary, moist soil. This variety prefers sunny or semi-shaded exposures and is best at the back of borders or in very light woodland.

'Feuerschopf' Bee Balm belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. It comes from Monarda fistulosa native to North America. It is a low and slow growing, herbaceous perennial with a bunch of upright shoots 1 m10 in height, with a spread of 50 cm (20in). Flowering takes place in July-August. The tousled shape of the terminal whorls of inflorescences makes Bee Balm unique. They measure 5 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter and are composed of narrow and curved flowers, with pretty purple bracts. Each nectar-rich flower has an upright upper lip and a more spread out lower lip divided into three lobes, perched on upright, leafy stems. The aromatic, dark green foliage is used for scented sachets and potpourris and releases a characteristic citrus scent when crushed. The lance-shaped leaves are 30 cm (12in) long at the base and often attract insects. This plant covers the ground in two or three years, spreading with the help of its fine rhizomes, without becoming invasive. It is very hardy and can also be long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

'Feuerschopf' Bee Balm ignites flowering beds or borders of shimmering or pastel colours. Plant it in groups of six to obtain a beautiful mass of flowers and associate it with lobelias or fuchsia-coloured meadowsweets. 'Feuerschopf' Bee Balm also goes well with persicarias, Campanula lactiflora, Echinaceas, and tall grasses like Miscanthus or Pennisetums. It is suitable for landscaping the edges of ponds where is is well-drained and moist. It is also found in meadows and forests. Its flowers are delightful as cut flowers. It should be noted that Bee Balm contains essential oils similar to those of thyme and tea can be made using its fresh or dried leaves or flowers. The young shoots can also be used in salads or stuffing.