Contents
Description
Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight, commonly known as Bee balm or Oswego tea, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. This plant is native to North America and is widely cultivated for its showy flowers and aromatic leaves. The leaves of this plant are bright green and serrated, and the flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, and purple. It can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
Appearance
Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight has bright green leaves that are lance-shaped and serrated. The leaves are 2-4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers are tubular, with a diameter of 2-3 inches, and bloom in shades of red, pink, and purple. The petals are arranged in a whorl pattern around the stem. The plant can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Water: Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight prefers moist soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil in the spring and summer.
Soil: Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight is susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and spider mites. To prevent these pests and diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If necessary, treat with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide.
Habitat
Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight is native to North America and can be found in meadows, prairies, and woodland edges. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers of this plant are edible and can be used to make tea or added to salads.
Q: How often should I fertilize Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight?
A: Apply fertilizer to the soil in the spring and summer.
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots.
Q: How tall does Monarda Didyma Marshall S Delight grow?
A: It can grow up to 3-4 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Monarda citriodora
- Monarda fistulosa
- Monarda punctata
- Monarda didyma
- Monarda bradburiana
References
- “Monarda Didyma.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280249.
- “Monarda Didyma.” Fine Gardening, www.finegardening.com/plant/monarda-didyma.
- “Bee Balm.” National Gardening Association, garden.org/plants/view/788/Bee-Balm-Monarda-didyma/.
