BEE BALM: Monarda

I just had the most wonderful surprise in a flower bed.  There was a group of tall plants at the back of the bed, that I thought might be weeds; but I just got too busy & let them grow.  They turned out to be BEE BALM, & the bees, butterflies & hummingbirds love them, now that they are blooming.

This old fashioned perennial flower, in the Mint family, is a native of the woodlands of North America.  It is very hearty, even in Michigan, where the Winters are harsh, but it prefers rich, moist soil, in full sun.  It will tolerate some shade in places like my yard, where the afternoon sun can be
merciless.

As with many plants, it goes by other names including Bergamot, Horsemint & Oswego Tea.  It might be best in the rear of a flower bed because each plant is tall:  2-1/2--4ft (76.2-121.92cm), but there are now dwarf varieties that are great in pots.

The flowers can be pink, red, purple or white, have a very subtle scent & are edible.  Deadheading spent flowers will encourage it to continue blooming.
This plant will spread through underground stems, so dividing may be a good idea after a few years.  Although the plant is a bit weedy looking, it repels mosquitoes. 

Wherever this plant came from, I wish it would invite its red & purple cousins to join it here in my flower bed..