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![Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-AtlanticImages by Elaine Mills, private garden, Arlington, VA and Mary Free, Quarry Shade and Glencarlyn GardensPerennialEn Masse, Close-up*** & Senesced w/ HummerHeight: 2–4 feetSpread: 2–3 feetBloom Color: RedCharacteristicsAromatic, clump-forming, herbaceous perennialOpposite, oval, dark green leaves with reddish veins with minty aroma on square, slightly hairy stems Showy, bright red, tubular flowers with reddish bracts clustered in two-inch terminal heads from May to July (or September if deadheaded)Can colonize by rhizomes and seedAttributesTolerates clay soil, wet soil, Black Walnut, and rabbits; intolerant of dry soil; powdery mildew can be a serious problemDeer seldom severely damageEthnobotanical uses; source of antiseptic thymol, ingredients for tea (dried leaves and flower heads), and salad flavoring (fresh leaves); fit for fresh and dried flower arrangements and potpourriAttracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and beesGrowing and Maintenance TipsExcellent Replacement forSoil Requirements: Rich, well-drainedLychnis chalcedonica - Maltese CrossLight Requirements: Sun, Partial ShadeWater Requirements: Moist, Wet*In the Mid-Atlantic, it occurs mostly in the western and fareastern counties of PA. It is infrequent in the VA mountainsand rare (maybe introduced) in the VA Piedmont. In NoVA,it is found in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties.**Above, a ruby-throated hummingbird (upper left quadrant) hovers in front of the chainlink fence at Glencarlyn Garden.*** Discovered near the Blue Ridge Parkway, M. didyma‘Jacob Cline’ is considered a natural selection of wild bee balm. In trials, ‘Jacob Cline’ “faired quite well against the dreaded powdery mildew” and was “a major hit” with hummers. [From Mt. Cuba Center Puts Nativars to the Test, 2/6/18]Prevent powdery mildew with good air circulation;remove mildew stems at base and place in trashDivide every three years to keep within boundsUse in herb, butterfly, native flower & rain gardensHardiness: USDA Zones 4-9developed byMaster Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and AlexandriaMonarda didyma Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego TeaThis member of the Mint family, native to scattered regions of eastern North America,* grows along stream banks and in thickets and open woods. Its distinctive red flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially hummingbirds,** and it offers herbal and medicinal benefit](https://i0.wp.com/mgnv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monarda-didyma-FD-L.jpg?resize=484%2C796&ssl=1)
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Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
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Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego Tea)
This member of the Mint family, native to scattered regions of eastern North America,* grows along stream banks and in thickets and open woods. Its distinctive red flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially hummingbirds,** and it offers herbal and medicinal benefits.
*In the Mid-Atlantic, it occurs mostly in the western and far eastern counties of PA. It is infrequent in the VA mountains and rare (maybe introduced) in the VA Piedmont. In NoVA, it is found in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties.
*** Discovered near the Blue Ridge Parkway, M. didyma ‘Jacob Cline’ is considered a natural selection of wild bee balm. In trials, ‘Jacob Cline’ “faired quite well against the dreaded powdery mildew” and was “a major hit” with hummers. [From Mt. Cuba Center Puts Nativars to the Test, 2/6/18]