Garden Club of Ohio Inc.
Native Plants of the Month
July
    Monarda species.  Family Lamiaceae

    Monarda fistula, sometimes known as Wild Bergamot, is
    an ideal perennial forb for field and Bergamot, is an ideal
    prairie gardens.  It is especially mildew prone and likely to
    lose many lower leaves before it blooms, so it is best to
    ‘cover its knees’ with a shorter plant in the home
    landscaping.  Once established, it is extremely tough and
    drought resistant.  Staking may be required if it is not
    supported by neighboring plants.  When flowering is
    finished, it may be cut down to a few inches from the
    ground.  Within two weeks fresh greenery will appear.
    weeks fresh greenery will appear.

    Most of the Monarda cultivars on the market have been
    developed from Monarda didyma also known as Bee Balm
    or Oswego Tea.  Many of these have been selected for
    mildew resistance.  They generally do not need staking if
    grown in full sun.  The colors range from the bright red of
    ‘Jacob Kline’ to the pink ‘Marshall’s Delight’ to the
    magenta ‘Summer Wine’ to the purple ‘Blue Stocking’.  
    Some will hold their first flush of leaves until first frost,
    while others may need to regenerate as described above.
    Other U.S. native Monardas are M. punctata (Spotted
    Monarda) and M. clinopodia.
    The Oswego Indians used dried Monarda didyma leaves
    for tea, as did patriots after the Boston Tea Party.  It is
    also a folk remedy for bee stings.