New England Wild Flower Society

Printed at http://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/index.cfm/

Monarda didyma

bee balm, oswego tea

Monarda didyma adds vibrant color to gardens with average to moist soils, serving as an important food source for bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. This tall, low-maintenance plant works very well in gardens and meadows, thriving most of all in full sun.

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Height: 2-4 ft

Spread: 2-3 ft

Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status

•

Species

Exposure

•	Sun
•	Part Shade

Soil Moisture

•

Average

Ecoregion

•	(58) Northeastern Highlands
•	(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Ornamental Interest

•	Summer Bloom

Attracts Wildlife

•	Host Plant
•	Attracts Hummingbirds
•	Attracts Bees
•	Attracts Butterflies
•	Attracts Songbirds
•	Other Pollinators/Wildlife

Tolerance

•	Urban Environment
•	Deer/Rabbit Resistant

Additional Attributes

•	Edible
•	Low Maintenance
•	Fragrant

Landscape Use

•	Massing
•	Meadow garden
•	Specimen

Growth Habit

•	Spreading/Suckering

North American Distribution

bee balm - Monarda didyma from Native Plant Trust

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