Monarda Cambridge Scarlet

Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Brilliant scarlet red
Brilliant scarlet red tubular florets around frilly starburst heads that perch atop strong upright stems. Shorter at 30". The leaves of Monarda can be used to flavor teas. A carefree strong grower. Great as a cut flower. Teams well in the border with Liatris and Echinacea.

Code MOCS

Patent

Plant Type Perennials

Species didyma

Height Medium to Tall 30"

Spacing Plant 14-18" apart

Bloom Time Early Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 4-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay

Water Needs High

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Long-Blooming
  • Rabbit Resistant

Planting Sites

  • Wet Site Tolerant

Monarda General Information

Monarda are very attractive to Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds. With both fragrant foliage and colorful flowers, Bee Balm is ideal for making potpourri or herbal wreaths. Strong grower in the North, can be overpowering in Southern gardens so allow plenty of space. Erect stems support uniquely shaped flowers. All of our varieties have good to excellent mildew resistance. When crushed the foliage will release a spicy fragrance and the leaves can be used to make delightful teas. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Monarda Plant Care

Easy to grow. Divide spring or fall every 3-4 years. Thinning stems out to increase air circulation will further help prevent powdery mildew, as will keeping plants watered during dry spells. Foliage can be cut back after flowering to encourage fresh new leaves and possible late fall rebloom.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October