Monarda didyma Blue Stocking - beebalm
DESCRIPTION
BeebalmMonarda didyma 'Blaustrumpf' Blue Stocking
There is no better summer nectar provider than this brightly colored Bee Balm. The globes of flowers open in early July to reveal two-lipped blooms that are brilliant, bright, violet blue. Expect a long season of bloom and resistance to powdery mildew. Monarda ia a magnate beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbird. The flowers are edible. Use them in salads and herb butters.
BENEFITS
- Butterflies and hummingbirds will come in droves!
- Long blooming with shocking color
- Mildew resistant
- Tolerates wet soil conditions
- Very showy when used in groups
- Moderately deer resistant
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Moist thickets from Maine south to Georgia and west to Tennessee and Minnesota.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Interesting Facts
Oswego Tea is another common name. The Oswego used the leaves for tea. Early colonists also used it as a tea substitute when tea was scarce.
Some monardas are commonly called beebalm in reference to prior use of the leaves as a balm for bee stings.
GROWING TIPS