• a star perennial
• blooming mid July through August
• different colours, white, pink, scarlet red and magenta
• different heights
• Hummingbirds love it as do the bees
• requires full sun to be at its best
• will flower in semi shade
• prefers moist loam but tolerates drought
• rhizomatous, can easily be divided
• many cultivars to choose from

A large clump of Bee Balm blooming from July through August is a stunner and a backbone of my summer cottage type garden. It’s long blooming period and scent make it a must have for me. The Humming birds and bees love it in equal measure and you will be entertained for hours with the antics of the hummers dive bombing each other in competition for the best bloom and nectar within. In a damp climate it may be prone to mildew but with good air flow this should not be a problem. Deadheading encourages the bloom to continue well into the fall. This plant is native to north America and grows wild around the area in which I live. It can easily be missed however as in its native dry habitat it is short and a pale pink. There are many named cultivars to choose from. The white I once had, seemed to disappear probably because it was not in a choice location with lots of sun. This is definitely one of my favourite perennials.

While I love it in the garden I must say ‘Earl Grey’ tea, flavoured with Bergamot is one of my least favourite teas!