Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'

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Cambridge Scarlet Beebalm

Cambridge Red beebalm (Monarda 'Cambridge Red') is a large perennial growing up to 4 feet tall. It's topped with clusters of red tubular flowers in mid to late summer and is one of the oldest cultivars resulting from crosses between the Eastern United States Monarda didyma and the wide-ranging Monarda fistulosa, which dates to the early 1900s. The leaves are highly aromatic and have been used to make tea. It is much favored by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plants require full sun and good air circulation, or they may develop powdery mildew.

As part of an evaluation of beebalms conducted at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Cambridge Red beebalm showed large 3-inch flowers covering about 80% to 10% of the plant, but it showed poor resistance to both powdery mildew and winter injury and was not recommended for Chicagoland gardens.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
May - June
July - August
Bloom Color:
Red
Landscape Use:
Bedding or Border
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Birds
Attracts Butterflies
Resistant To Deer
Plant Type:
Perennial
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 7