Monarda didyma 'Grand Marshall' (Fuchsia Beebalm)

'Grand Marshall' is a cultivar of Monarda didyma, a popular native garden plant also called scarlet beebalm. Normally well-regarded for its bright scarlet flowers, this cultivar instead produces bright, fuchsia purple flowers that bloom from late spring well into the fall. Flowers are surprisingly hardy and are attractive to pollinators and hummingbirds as well as people for their striking colors and the plant's minty aroma.

Monarda didyma grows slightly taller than many of its other beebalm relatives, usually reaching a height of 2-4' tall, though occasionally as tall as six feet! Since Monarda is in the mint family, 'Grand Marshall' is clump forming, but spreads much more slowly than some of its aggressive relatives. The leaves have a minty perfume scent, and can be used for teas and a variety of traditional folk medicines. Care should be taken in early spring to thin out groups of Monarda didyma, as they can develop problems with powdery mildew.