Monarda didyma (Bergamot, Bee Balm, Monarda)

Monarda didyma (Bergamot, Bee Balm, Monarda)



bee balm


Pronunciation: muh-NAR-duh DID-ih-muh 

Family: Lamiaceae
Plant type: herbaceous perennial 
Zone: 3
Origin: Canada - US
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Mature size
  Height: .7-1.3 m
  Spread: .3-.6
Form: oval, vertical
Texture: medium
Habit: arching, upright vertical, dense, spreading
Exposure - full sun to part sun
Preferred soil - Wet marshy soils
Landscape uses - attracts hummingbirds, bugs, bees, pollinators, waterside planting, marshy, cut flowers, dried flowers, fragrant, perennials, mixed borders
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Leaves
Arrangement: simple opposite 
Shape: ovate
Size:3-12 cm
Margin: serrate 
Characteristics: cordate, acute, heavily veined, glabrous, pubescent 
Colour:
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Flowers
Inflorescence type:  verticillaster 
Colour: red
Size: 6-10 cm
Time: July - September
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Stem
Colour: green
Description: square stem 
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Fruit type: nut
Colour: brown
Time: September, October
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Propagation - seed, rhizome division, dig up and divide every three years and toss the center
Comments - natural antiseptic, used for mouthwash, bergamot used in earl grey tea 
 - dead head to encourage blooms 
 - in fall cut a few inches above ground

Pests - mildew, needs good air circulation 

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