Monarda fistulosa tetraploid - Beebalm

Monarda fisulosa tetraploid Monarda is a variety of bergamot distinguished by its remarkably aromatic vegetation, which releases a complex fragrance when crushed, with accents of Damask rose, Corsican mint, lavender, or rose geranium. Another advantage of this aromatic perennial plant is its long and beautiful, bright pink summer flowering, attracting butterflies and bees. Hardy and resistant to mildew, it is easy to grow in ordinary, moist but well-drained soil, in sunny borders or clear and cool woodlands.

Monarda fistulosa tetraploid belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. This variety was discovered in 1972 in a specialist nursery in Canada. While its genealogy is somewhat uncertain, it undoubtedly possesses the genes of Monarda fistulosa, a medicinal plant native to North America. 'Tetraploid' has a more compact habit than its ancestor. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial, forming a clump of leafy stems, 70 cm (28in) high when in flower and spreading at least 40 cm (16in). It flowers for up to 8 weeks in the height of summer. The unique frilly inflorescences are composed of 20 to 50 flowers, each 5 cm (2in) long, arranged in balls and surrounded by green bracts. Each nectar-rich, pompom flower has an upright upper lip and a more spread-out lower lip divided into three lobes. The bright green foliage is highly aromatic, arranged along the square stems. The leaves are entire and lanceolate with toothed edges, 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) long. This plant covers the ground by spreading through its rootstock, without becoming invasive. Monarda fistulosa tolerates periodically dry soils better than its hybrids, as long as they are deep.

Monarda fistulosa tetraploid has the charm and solidity of wild plants. In the garden, it pairs well with summer-flowering, vibrant or pastel perennials. Plant it in groups of three to achieve a mass of flowers and combine with white, pink and red hollyhocks or fuchsia-coloured willowherbs. In late summer, its flowering will accompany later-flowering Asters, Campanula lactiflora, Nepeta, and many other plants. This monarda contains essential oils similar to those of geranium and thyme and its fresh or dried flowers can be used to make herbal tea. The young shoots and flowers can also be used in salads or stuffing. Dried leaves and flowers are used in potpourri.