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Monarda, also known as Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, or Horsemint, is a vibrant and aromatic perennial belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to eastern North America, this captivating plant thrives in bottomlands, thickets, moist woods, and along stream banks.
Monarda plants form sturdy clumps with showy, clustered flowers in shades of white, lavender, pink, or red. These blossoms crown the leafy stems, attracting a multitude of pollinators such as honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The serrated, aromatic leaves release a minty fragrance when crushed and are often used to flavor teas and salads.
Monarda thrives in organic, medium-to-wet, moisture-retentive soils with full sun to partial shade. While it prefers consistent moisture, it is not drought tolerant. Although it multiplies faster in shade, it produces more flowers in sunnier locations. Most varieties spread rapidly through underground stems or self-seeding, requiring division every three to four years to maintain health and vigor.
Monarda's versatility makes it a valuable addition to various garden settings, including borders, naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, wild or native plant gardens, meadows, herb gardens, and along ponds or streams.