Scarlet Beebalm
Monarda didyma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Monarda
- Species:
- Monarda didyma
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- Red
Native Range
United States: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soils with organic matter
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are planted into round cell greenhouse flat liners with 38 cells per flat filled with coarse processed bark and composted pine bark growing medium. Seeds are surface sown at a rate of 3-5 seeds per cell and lightly covered with starter sized, 1/16" - 1/8" diameter, granite poultry grit. Flats are lightly hand watered to slightly moisten the growing medium and cold stratified at 35 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 21 days.
Establishment: Seed of Monongahela National Forest ecotype scarlet beebalm was hand harvested from existing populations within the West Virginia confines of the Monongahela National Forest. Scarlet beebalm is widely distributed throughout eastern North America.
Source: npn.rngr.net