Bee Balm Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', commonly known as bee balm, is a vibrant herbaceous perennial distinguished by its striking scarlet flowers. These flowers form dense, rounded clusters at the top of the plant's square stems. Each cluster consists of tubular blooms that create a pompom-like effect, which is particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage of bee balm is equally attractive with its bright green leaves that have a somewhat oval shape with serrated edges. When crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant fragrance reminiscent of mint, owing to the plant's place in the mint family. This scent makes it a popular choice for gardens, as it can also help to repel pests. Bee balm's showy flowers and fragrant leaves make it a bold and aromatic addition to any garden, and its ability to attract pollinators adds further value to its presence in a diverse garden ecosystem. Its striking appearance, with the vivid scarlet flowers, ensures that it stands out prominently among other plantings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Horsemint, Monarda.
- Common names
  Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Bee balm (Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming any plant in large quantities or if someone has a specific allergy or sensitivity to it could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction. Typical symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Always exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional if ingestion occurs and symptoms appear.
- To pets
  Bee balm (Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet') is generally recognized as safe for pets, and there is no widespread evidence of toxicity. However, each animal may react differently to various plants. If a large amount is consumed, pets may experience gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If signs of discomfort or illness appear after ingestion, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Scarlet
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: The Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are vital for pollination.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant scarlet-red flowers, this plant adds a striking burst of color to any garden landscape.
- Aromatic foliage: The leaves of the Bee Balm release a pleasant fragrance when crushed or brushed against, adding a sensory dimension to the garden.
- Drought resistance: Once established, the Bee Balm is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with less water availability.
- Easy to grow: This plant is known for being easy to cultivate and maintain, which is great for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Edible uses: The leaves and flowers of the Bee Balm can be used to make tea and are also edible as a garnish in salads.
- Deer resistance: Bee Balm is generally resistant to deer, which helps to prevent damage to the plant and garden.
- Naturalization: The Bee Balm spreads easily and can naturalize in suitable conditions, filling out garden beds and landscapes.
Medical Properties
- Antiseptic - Bee Balm is traditionally used for its antiseptic properties, which may help in treating minor wounds and infections.
- Antifungal - It may have antifungal effects that could be beneficial in combating fungal infections.
- Carminative - The plant is thought to help in relieving digestive issues such as bloating and gas.
- Cold and Flu Remedy - Bee Balm has been used in herbal medicine to help alleviate symptoms related to colds and the flu.
- Diaphoretic - It can induce sweating and has been used to break fevers by promoting perspiration.
- Antispasmodic - Bee Balm has been used to ease muscle spasms and cramps.
Please note that medical uses mentioned here are based on traditional or anecdotal evidence and may not be supported by modern clinical research. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The flowers of Bee Balm can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding various shades of pink, red, and purple depending on the mordant used.
- Insect repellent: Bee Balm can be planted in gardens to deter pesky insects such as mosquitoes and aphids, benefiting nearby plants and outdoor living spaces.
- Aromatherapy: The leaves and flowers of the Bee Balm plant, when dried, can be used in potpourris or sachets to provide a pleasant aroma and promote relaxation.
- Culinary garnish: Fresh Bee Balm flowers can be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts, offering a splash of color and a hint of mint flavor.
- Photography: Bee Balm's striking scarlet flowers are often used as subjects in floral and nature photography due to their vibrant color and intricate forms.
- Flower pressing: The unique shape and vibrant color of Bee Balm's flowers make them ideal for pressing and using in craft projects like bookmarks and greeting cards.
- Crafting potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers of Bee Balm can be combined with other herbs to create natural, homemade potpourri mixes.
- Water features: Bee Balm can be planted around ponds or water gardens to add vertical interest and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Floral displays: Bee Balm's tall stems and vivid flowers make it a great choice for adding height and color to cut flower arrangements and bouquets.
- Education: Bee Balm can be used as a teaching tool in horticulture and botany classes to demonstrate plant structure, pollination, and the importance of native species in ecosystems.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Bee Balm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Bee Balm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Prosperity: The lush red blooms of Bee Balm, the common name for Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', are often associated with prosperity and abundance, possibly because their vigorous growth and prolific flowering can suggest richness and fertility.
- Energy: Bee Balm's vibrant scarlet flowers symbolize energy and vibrancy; the intense color reflects vitality and can inspire feelings of passion and action.
- Balance: Some Native American tribes used Monarda in traditional medicine rituals, seeing it as a plant that offered balance and harmony to both the body and the land.
- Healing: Bee Balm is known for its antiseptic properties, which translates symbolically into healing and cleansing, suggesting a restoration to health or purity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Bee Balm, which is the common name for Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. The best method is to water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. During hot, dry periods, additional watering may be necessary to maintain soil moisture. It's crucial to ensure the soil is well-drained and not to overwater, as Bee Balm does not like to sit in wet soil. Aim for a steady watering schedule, reducing frequency as the plant becomes established.
Light
Bee Balm thrives in a location where it receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. It can also tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summer temperatures, but too much shade can result in leggy plants and reduced flowering. The ideal spot for Bee Balm is therefore an area with ample morning sunlight and some afternoon protection if in a particularly hot climate.
Temperature
Bee Balm is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range typically seen in USDA zones 4 through 9. It prefers a climate where temperatures do not frequently dip below -30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The ideal growing conditions for Bee Balm occur in temperatures ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can tolerate summer temperatures well above this range.
Pruning
Pruning Bee Balm is essential to promote healthy growth, control its spread, and encourage more vibrant blooms. It should be pruned in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after the first flush of flowers fades to encourage a second bloom. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season also helps to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding. The best time for a major cutback is in late fall after frost has killed back the foliage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' thrives in rich, loamy soil with good drainage and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part leaf mold or peat moss is ideal.
Repotting
Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is commonly grown outdoors. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot is sufficient.
Humidity & Misting
Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers high humidity environments that mimic its natural habitats, such as moist meadows and woodlands.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure ample air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade with good air flow.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', commonly known as Bee Balm, begins with germination, where seeds sprout in warm, moist soil typically in early spring. Following germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a set of true leaves and beginning to establish a root system. As the Bee Balm matures, it enters the vegetative stage, characterized by rapid growth of foliage and the development of a sturdy stem structure. During the reproductive stage in late spring to summer, it produces vivid scarlet flowers that attract pollinators, which is crucial for the plant’s sexual reproduction via seed set. After pollination and seed dispersal, the plant may undergo a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it dies back to the ground and survives as underground rhizomes until the next growing season. Throughout its perennial life cycle, Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' can also propagate vegetatively through rhizome division, allowing for the spread and continuation of the plant in a garden setting.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method for propagating Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' is by division. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to get a good amount of roots. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a set of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions well to help them establish. This method allows gardeners to quickly and effectively multiply their Bee Balm plants while also rejuvenating older, overgrown clumps.