Genus

Monarda

The Monarda genus in the Plotwright catalog - 2 species: Scarlet bee balm, Wild bergamot. Open any for hardiness, native range, wildlife value, and growing guidance.
Filters
A clump of scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma) in flower, showing the upright, multi-stemmed habit with several ragged crimson flower heads above toothed, lance-shaped opposite leaves.
Monarda didyma
Scarlet bee balm
A fragrant native perennial with red summer flowers that draw hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Perennial
Full sun / Part sun
Consistent moisture
Zones 4-9
Climate: broad
Pollinator
Filler
Border
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) clump in an open meadow, its several upright square stems each topped by a ragged lavender flower head over toothed mint-family foliage.
Monarda fistulosa
Wild bergamot
A widespread native perennial in the mint family with showy lavender flower heads through summer, distinctly more drought-tolerant than its cousin scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma). Supports ruby-throated hummingbirds, hummingbird clearwing moths, three documented specialist bees, and provides stem-nesting bee shelter through winter.
Perennial
Full sun / Part sun
Moderate water
Zones 3a-9b
Climate: broad
Pollinator
Border
Filler