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Monarda didyma |
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Beebalm, Oswego Tea, Monarda,
Bergamot, Horsemint, Red
Balm |
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4-9 |
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Eastern North America |
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2-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide |
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Scarlet-red, the
2-3 inches tubular flowers are borne in single
or double
whorls creating dense heads. |
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Summer |
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Opposite, ovate to ovate lanceolate, 3-6 inches long, serrate-dentate leaves are
villous-hirsute to glabrous. The foliage has an
aroma when crushed and the stem is decidedly
4 angled. |
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Powdery mildew and
rust |
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- 'Adam' - Clear red flowers, profuse bloom, 2-3 feet
tall.
- 'Blue Stocking' - Flowers are violet-blue.
- 'Cambridge Scarlet' - Bright scarlet flowers,
vigorous grower, 3 feet tall.
- 'Croftway Pink- Soft pink flowers, 3-4 feet tall.
- 'Donnerwolke' - Violet
flowers, 3 feet tall.
- 'Fishes' - White flowers with a
pink blush.
- 'Kardinal' - Pinkish red flowers.
- 'Mahogany- Deep wine-red flowers, 3 feet tall.
- 'Morgenrote' - Salmon-red flowers, early
bloom.
- 'Prairie Night' - Purplish violet
flowers, 3 feet tall.
- 'Snow White' - Creamy white
flowers, 3 feet tall.
- 'Violet Queen' - Deep purple
flowers.
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One of the common names originated when
John Bartram discovered early settlers near Oswego,
N.Y., steeping the leaves to make tea. Bergamont
flavoring is presently used in Earl Grey blended tea.
The genus was named for
Nicolas Monardes, a 16th century
Spanish physician and botanist. |
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