Monarda didyma aka Scarlet Beebalm

Monarda didyma is a perennial in the mint family. Common names include scarlet bee balm and Oswego tea. Its native range runs from southeastern Canada into eastern America. It grows in moist woods, thickets, lowlands, and stream banks. In North Carolina, it grows wild in the mountains. Garden plants form upright clumps and spread through underground stems. They can also seed themselves and form larger patches.

Plants grow about 2–4 feet (0.61–1.22 m) tall. Clumps can spread to 3 feet (0.91 m) across. RHS gives a smaller spread, up to 1.6 feet (0.5 m). Green stems have square sides and a light coat of hairs. Leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of each stem. They range from egg-shaped to narrow, with toothed edges. Their lower sides bear hairs, and their surface feels rough. Crushed leaves release a mint-like scent. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

Scarlet flowers gather in round heads at the stem tips. Each narrow tube ends in two lips of unequal length. Red-tinged leafy bracts sit just below the flower heads. Bloom runs from July through August, sometimes into September. Small, brown, egg-shaped nutlets appear in September and October. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. Some moths use the plant as a larval host. Native bees also nest in its dead, hollow stems.

Grow bee balm in sun or light shade. Afternoon shade helps where summers are hot. It needs rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. It tolerates clay and a range of soil pH. Keep the soil from drying out during summer. RHS advises protection from excess wetness in winter. Listed hardiness is USDA zones 4–9 and RHS H5. Remove spent flowers to extend bloom and limit self-seeding. Divide crowded clumps every three or four years. Good airflow helps reduce leaf disease. Powdery mildew, rust, and slugs can cause trouble. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone.

Bee balm suits borders, meadows, native gardens, and pond edges. Its flowers also work in cut arrangements. Leaves, young shoots, and flowers have food uses. They can flavor salads, drinks, soups, and other dishes. Fresh or dried leaves and flower heads make tea. Dried leaves and flowers can scent potpourri. Sources record traditional herbal uses, not proof of medical benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards.