Monarda didyma 'Bee-Mine™ Red' (Beebalm) Unity Grown

‘Bee-Mine™ Red' is a compact, disease resistant cultivar of Monarda didyma, a popular native garden plant also called scarlet beebalm. Normally well-regarded for its bright scarlet flowers, this cultivar produces especially showy blossoms that bloom from late spring well into the early fall. Flowers are surprisingly hardy and are attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators; blooms will also attract gardeners from all over for their striking colors and the plant's minty aroma. While some beebalms can suffer greatly from powdery mildew, the ‘Bee-Mine™ Red' cultivar has shown very high resistance to powdery mildew damage. And, in addition to better powdery mildew resistance, this beebalm’s deer- and rabbit-resistant foliage will maintain its appearance through the whole growing season without damage from disease or common critters.

While other beebalms can easily reach 2-4’ tall, Monarda didyma ‘Bee-Mine™ Red' grows to a manageable size of only 12-18” tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces, low borders and herb gardens, and even containers. Since Monarda is in the mint family, ‘Bee-Mine™ Red' is clump forming and will spread over time, but beebalm spreads much more slowly than some of its aggressive relatives like peppermint. The leaves have a floral and minty scent, and can be used for teas and desserts, and have a variety of purported medicinal uses.