Monarda Squaw - Beebalm

Monarda Squaw, also known as bergamot, is a variety with red flowers that is quite resistant to powdery mildew. It has intense, eye-catching red flowers all summer long. It has shiny, finely cut, ruffled petals above small green-purple bracts. It is adorned with vibrant green, hairy and toothed leaves. This tall, vigorous perennial will reach maturity within a year, with a minty fragrance, beloved by butterflies and pollinators. It is easy to grow in moist and fertile soil, in partial shade or morning sun. It is also an excellent cut flower.

Monarda Squaw belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes numerous medicinal and aromatic plants. It is one of the many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two wild species, Monarda didyma, the Bee Balm, and Monarda fistulosa, both native to North America. It is a herbaceous, upright perennial, reaching 80 cm (32in) high and a spread of 45 cm (18in). It flowers for 8 weeks in the heart of summer with unique, ruffled blooms. They are composed of small flowers 4 to 5 cm (2in) in length, surrounded by bracts resembling small leaves, and have an upright upper lip and a more spread-out lower lip divided into three lobes, perched on upright stems. The flowers are loved by bees and pollinators. The healthy, bright green foliage is highly aromatic, releasing a minty scent when crushed. The leaves are opposite, veined, and toothed, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long, and often attract insects. This plant covers the ground in two or three years, spreading through rhizomes without becoming invasive. It is hardy and can also be very long-lived if the growing conditions are good.

Monarda Squaw will pair well with summer-flowering perennials with vibrant colours like Helianthus or, pastel colours like Phlox. Plant it in groups of six to create a beautiful mass of flowers and combine it with orange and yellow daylilies. In late summer, it will accompany Asters lateriflorus, Campanulas lactiflora, Echinaceas, and other perennial plants. Its flowers are also lovely and long-lasting in bouquets.

Monarda contains essential oils similar to those of thyme and its fresh or dried leaves or flowers can be used to make herbal tea. The young shoots can also be used in salads or stuffing.