Monarda Jacob Cline - Beebalm

Monarda 'Jacob Cline', also known as bergamot, offers intense red flowers throughout the summer, with vermilion petals topping green-purple bracts. The highly serrated, ruffled petals rest above the aromatic mass of foliage. This large perennial grows in a bushy clump with beautiful dark green toothed leaves. 'Jacob Cline' is highly resistant to powdery mildew. It is an accommodating plant, suitable for planting in ordinary, moist but not too dry soil, in full sun or partial shade. Brilliant in sunny flower beds or cool undergrowth, it is also an excellent cut flower.

Monarda 'Jacob Cline' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. It is one of the many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two wild species, Monarda didyma, the purple Monarda, and Monarda fistulosa, both native to North America. It is a herbaceous perennial which forms an upright clump 1m (3ft) high and 50cm (20in) wide. Flowering takes place from July to September and lasts 8 weeks in the middle of summer. The ruffled shape of the inflorescences is unique. They are made up 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. The flowers are very attractive to bees and polinators. The dark green foliage is aromatic and healthy and releases a characteristic citrus scent when crushed. The leaves are opposite, veined and toothed, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long, and often attract insects. This plant covers the ground in two or three years, spreading with the help of its rhizomes, without becoming invasive. It is very hardy and can also be very long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

In flower beds and borders, 'Jacob Cline' will blend well with summer-flowering perennials in vibrant or pastel colours. Plant it in groups of six to achieve a beautiful mass of flowers and combine it with orange or yellow daylilies, or pale-flowered willowherbs. Monarda also pairs well with Asters lateriflorus, Campanulas lactiflora, Echinaceas, and other late-summer flowers. You can plant it in borders, or on the banks of water features where it enjoys the moisture. It can also be found in meadows and clear forests. 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 tea can be made from its fresh or dried leaves or flowers. The young shoots can also be used in salads or stuffing.