Monarda Melissa - Beebalm

The soft candy pink flowers of Monarda Melissa rise above a clump of pleasantly aromatic and vigorous medium green foliage. It is a large accommodating perennial, for ordinary, moist soil in sun or partial shade, ideal for sunny beds or moist woodland. Most of the varieties offered are hybrids and are often more floriferous than the species from which they originate.

Monarda Melissa belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes numerous medicinal and aromatic plants. It is one of many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two wild species, Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa, both native to North America. It is a herbaceous, clump-forming perennial reaching 80 cm (32in) high with a spread of 40 cm (16in) which flowers for 8 weeks from July to September, in the heart of summer. The tousled shape of the inflorescences is unique, composed of small flowers 4 to 5 cm (2in) long, surrounded by pinkish-green bracts with an upright upper lip and a more spread out lower lip divided into three lobes. These nectar-rich flowers are perched on upright stems. The medium green foliage is aromatic and it 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 fine rhizomes, without becoming invasive. It is hardy and can also be very long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

In beds and borders, Monarda Melissa will blend well with summer-flowering perennials in vibrant or pastel colours. Plant in groups of six to achieve a beautiful mass of flowers and combine it with orange, yellow and pink hollyhocks or fuchsia pink willowherbs. 'Melissa' Monarda also goes well with Asters lateriflorus, Campanulas lactiflora, Echinaceas, and other perennials in late summer. It is suitable for planting in borders, on pond banks or in any well-drained and moist soil. It can also be found in meadows and forests. These flowers are delightful as cut flowers. Monarda contains essential oils similar to those of thyme and tea can be made using fresh or dried leaves or flowers. The young shoots can also be used in salads or stuffing.