Scarlet Bee Balm

The bright red pop-pom flowers of Scarlet Beebalm attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant smells nice, too! A deer-resistant plant is in the mint family, Scarlet Beebalm's fragrant leaves are traditionally used in medicinal tea (hence its alternative common name, Oswego Tea). After blooming, Scarlet Beebalm can develop white spots on its leaves, but these are not a threat to the plant. Thinning the plant's stems can improve airflow and reduce the visual impact.

• Like other plants in the Monarda genus, Scarlet Beebalm may readily contract downy mildew - a non-lethal but somewhat unsightly fungal infection. Consider dividing plants or trimming away affected leaves if cases are bad.
• Spent flowers can be trimmed off (deadheading) to prolong bloom times and keep spread in check
• Well established Scarlet Beebalm can benefit from the "Chelsea Chop" - in late spring or early summer, prune growing stems in half to reduce overall height and improve bushiness