Monarda fistulosa var. menthifolia - Beebalm

<p class="western"><b><a href="https://www.promessedefleurs.ie/perennials/perennials-by-variety/monarda-bee-balm.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monarda</a></b> is a <b>lovely perennial plant that offers a profusion of frilly, original, and decorative flowers in summer</b>. Among the most well-known species is <i><b>Monarda didyma</b></i>, a species whose highly aromatic leaves were used in infusions by Native Americans, earning it the names "Oswego Tea" and "Red Bergamot". Very popular, <b>Red Monarda</b> is also one of the varieties favoured by gardeners, but the different species and cultivars come in a wide range of colours from white (M. 'Schneewittchen') to mauve (<em>M. fistulosa menthifolia</em>) and pink (M. <em>'</em>Croftway Pink').</p> <p class="western">In addition to its <b>charming, melliferous flowers</b>, which are highly appreciated by bees, Monarda also has the advantage of bearing a <b>highly aromatic foliage.</b> Its scent combines mint and bergamot… hence its third name, "Bergamot Monarda"! It is highly valued in infusions but also in cooking, where it enhances many dishes, sauces, or beverages. Its medicinal properties, particularly antibacterial and digestive, are also used in herbal medicine.</p> <p class="western">In the garden, Monardas are easy to use. They suit many garden styles, bringing colour and whimsy. They shine just as brightly at the edge of a vegetable garden, in an herb garden, or in a mixed border of an English garden. Natural and wild, <b>they are simply perfect</b> alongside grasses, Asters, and Echinaceas <b>in naturalistic style gardens</b>.</p> [caption id="attachment_38860" align="aligncenter" width="1172"]<img class="wp-image-38860 size-full" src="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/blogwp/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/monarde-plusieurs-couleurs.jpg" alt="Monarda, several colours." width="1172" height="233" /> Monardas come in a beautiful palette of colours.[/caption] <p class="western">Hardy and low-maintenance, Monarda is an easy perennial that <b>thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soils</b>. It only fears very poor soils (a spring application of compost is sufficient for its needs), wet lands, and confined spaces that promote the appearance of powdery mildew, the only benign disease known to affect it.</p> <p class="western">Once established, it is a perennial that spreads quickly, forming a large clump. It is sometimes criticised for this dynamism, but rest assured: it is quite easy to contain, and a few strikes with a spade are enough to limit its expansion!</p>