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Monarda Didyma (Oswego Tea, Bee Balm)

Fragrant and spicy, this native perennial has a place in American history. Brewed by the Oswego tribe as a medicinal tea, colonial patriots drank it to support the ban on British good. A tall, hardy plant (Zones 4 to 9), Monarda prefers moist, fertile soil and some shade. The fluffy heads have many bracts, each holding an inch-long trumpet that bees, butterflies and hummingbirds find irresistible.

Monarda didyma

Monarda didyma is a large species of 3 to 4 foot plants that range from pink and cerise to white. 'Cambridge Scarlet' has brilliant red flowers; 'Croftway Pink' is a delicate pink; 'Prairie Night' is red-violet flowers; and 'Snow Queen' is creamy white. Set out seedlings in spring or fall, about 2 feet apart, and they'll spread to fill in the spaces. Deadhead regularly to insure continuous bloom.

Monarda didyma

Insider's secret

If your Oswego tea develops blotches of powdery mildew, it's too crowded. Remove all the affected leaves, and thin stems to improve circulation and discourage the growth of the fungus. Water deeply at the roots, and cut the whole plant back to the ground in the fall.