Scarlet beebalm

Today's the day .......................... for a new herb

Have you ever seen a more crazy flower?

It's a new acquisition in my herb garden and you might know it as Monarda didyma or bergamot - although it is not to be confused with Bergamot orange which is used to flavour Earl Grey tea.

It's native to North America and has a long history of use as a medicinal plant by many Native Americans, including the Blackfeet Indians.  They recognised this plant's strong antiseptic action and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds.  Beebalm is the natural source of the antiseptic thymol, the primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas.

It's a superb herb to have in a wildlife garden because it's highly attractive to bees and butterflies.  The aromatic leaves are ideal for potpourri and can also be used for a zesty herbal tea ................