Monarda fistulosa Scorpion - Beebalm

The large flowers of the Monarde 'Scorpion' or 'Scorpion' bergamot, are of an exquisite shade, a powerful but tasteful deep pink, surmounted by bracts marbled with brown-violet, just colourful enough to enhance their discreet brightness. They compose a bouquet of tousled flowers, evoking a jester's cap. The plant blooms from a young age, from the beginning of summer until October, on a deliciously aromatic and never sickly foliage. It is a large flowering, but demanding perennial, which spreads rapidly in well-amended ordinary soil, preferably fresh, in a sunny or semi-shaded exposure.

The 'Scorpion' Monarde belongs to the family of lamiaceae or labiates, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. It is part of the numerous hybrids of M. didyma and M. fistulosa, both native to North America. It is a tall herbaceous perennial, showing from spring an upright tufted habit of 90 cm (35in) in height, with a rapid growth. Flowering takes place from July onwards and can continue until October if faded flowers are removed. The tousled shape of its inflorescences is its main characteristic. They are composed of lavender-pink flowers washed with slate blue, curved, measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) long, surrounded by darker bracts, and have two lips, an erect upper lip and a lower lip divided into three lobes and more spread out. They are perched on upright stems. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous. The foliage, medium green in this variety, is aromatic. When crushed, it releases a pleasant citrus fragrance. The leaves are opposite, veined and toothed, measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long and often attract insects. This plant covers the ground and spreads using its fine rhizomes, without becoming invasive. Very hardy, it can also be very long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

In flower beds and borders, the 'Scorpion' Monarde will blend well with perennial plants with summer shades of mauve and lilac. Plant it in groups to obtain a beautiful mass of flowers, counting six plants, and associate it with white, mauve or orange paniculate phlox, pastel daylilies, or fuchsia pink spike rushes. The 'Scorpion' Monarde pairs well in late summer with Asters lateriflorus, nepetas and Campanulas lactiflora. It is also suitable for planting in large borders, as well as on the banks of water features, well-drained, which it prefers the freshness of.

These flowers are delightful for creating beautiful bouquets. It should be noted that Monarde contains essential oils similar to those of thyme, whose virtues were already known to Native North Americans. Monarde tea can be made using its leaves or flowers, whether fresh or dried. The young shoots can also be used in salads or in the stuffing of a roast.