Monarda (Bee Balm)
Wild Bergamot

Also called Bee Balm, this tall, striking perennial is a native to the western USA. It’s a favorite nectar source, drawing bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its lovely lilac-colored tubular blooms. Monarda is listed as a key support plant for monarch butterflies in the Midwest according to the Xerces Society. Reaching 5–6 feet in height, it adds vertical interest and elegance to gardens. Its long bloom period provides continuous beauty and a vital nectar source throughout the season. I love this plant for its pale shade of purple that I don’t see that often. Great for a cut flower if harvested early in the morning when it is cool.