Monarda 'SCORPION'

Beebalm (monarda) is a summer-flowering plant from North America. There are about 15 species including both perennials and annuals, all of which come mostly from open and dry places like prairies. It belongs to the longest flowering plants of summer and its aromatic leaves would be used as a cheap substitute of bergamot for famous Earl Grey tea. We specialize solely in perennial monardas, mostly monarda didyma and monarda fistulosa and their hybrids.

I am thinking why the breeder called this beebalm Scorpion. Perhaps he experienced an utterly painful stabbing of a true scorpion and all he saw was purple red. This beebalm belongs to the Zodiac series and produces neon purple pink flowers atop almost a meter tall stems from July until August. Deciduous leaves are widely lance-shaped, pale green at the base and in the middle, while on the upper parts they are purple flushed. Flowers are edible and fragrant leaves can be used in tea and other cold drinks. It looks fantastic in a prairie-type bed accompanied by similar plants with pastel colours and white for enhancement.

Monarda grows reliably in almost any well-drained, medium fertile soil, preferably in full sun. If forms dense clumps and remains healthy unless overwatered – then foliage may be prone to powdery mildew. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 01-07-2020