Bee balm, also called Oswego tea. Monarda, named for Spanish physician who discovered and described the perennial. 2-4 feet tall, spreading. Full sun or afternoon shade. Forms mat of new growth in fall that remains evergreen where winters are mild.
Stems are hairy, hard and square shaped.
Native to damp sites along East Coast. Dislikes extreme heat. Cold hardy to Zone 4. Cambridge Scarlet , wine-red flowers. Croftway Pink , rose-pink blooms.