Monarda Leading Lady Plum

By A Mystery Man Writer

Monarda Leading Lady Plum - Common name: Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea - Spiky magenta-purple flowers, nature’s version of a fireworks’ finale, explode into bloom amidst the well-branched foliage. Blossoms, with age, sport a deeper wash for a pleasing two-tone effect. Monarda Leading Lady Series are carefree, strong growers. Performing a little earlier than most Bee Balms, our Leading Ladies take center stage in early summer. Just about a foot tall, the blossoms will gain celebrity status with an audience of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees; but deer tend to refrain from nibbling. With its petite stature, they are perfectly sized to tuck in the front of any sunny border or edge a garden path. Foliage will release a spicy fragrance when crushed and can be used to make herbal tea.