Beebalm

Beebalm also known as Oswego Tea, Monarda and Horesemint is in the mint family. This is one spectacular flower for shade gardening albeit light or bright shade. Not only is it beautiful it has a wonderful fragrance. It has uses beyond the garden. Makes a tea and can be used in salads.

This is a rather fast growing plant and spreads easily. It's flowers are red,pink, purple and white, and will bloom midsummer through late Summer. They grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads to about 3 feet. An other great attribute is its attractiveness of bees, butterflies and best of all, hummingbirds.

Propagate by division in Spring or Fall. This is something that should be done about every 3 to 4 years as the centers tend to die out. Dead heading is also recommended to encourage a second blooming. A humus rich moist soil is what is needed to get the most out of this flower for shade gardening.

I think you will really enjoy the colors, fragrance and the flowers.

Bee Balm - Marshall Delight - $12.45 The Monarda ‘Marshall's Delight’,Monarda didyma, also known as Bee Balm, Bergamont, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, is a clump-forming perennial that has tubular, two-lipped, hot pink flowers with dark green aromatic foliage. ‘Marshall's Delight’ stands at 36’ high and has a plant spread of 24-36” and blooms from July to August. If deadheaded, (removal of old flowers from plant) longer bloom times will be encouraged. Monarda needs to be planted in full sun, but will tolerate afternoon shade. Marshall's Delights are best grown in rich soil in a well-drained area, not being allowed to dry out. The leaves of Monarda can be used for teas and in salads. Attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed, Monarda provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, and herb garden or along ponds or streams.