Oswego Tea Monarda

Monarda is a genus of flowering perennial plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. and is native to North America. There are several varieties and many cultivars available. They typically grow 2-4 feet tall but some may get taller. The fragrant flowers are pollinator magnets and generally bloom during the spring or summer in a variety of colors.

Bee balm does best in full sun with good air circulation to decrease powdery mildew problems. They need moist but well-drained soil and tolerate clay soils. Giving these plants enough moisture will keep them healthier and help prevent powdery mildew. They are resistant to damage by rabbits and deer. 

Use bee balm at the front or back of the border, depending on size. They are a must for sunny native pollinator gardens. They will self-seed and spread by rhizomes so deadhead the flowers if this is not desirable. They can be pruned in late spring or early summer to promote bushiness and delay bloom time. Divide the clumps every few years to prevent crowded conditions.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew can be a big problem. There are cultivars that have some mildew resistance available.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.