Best grown in a rich, medium to wet, moisture-retentive soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, humusy soil in full sun, although some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot southern climates. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Remove spent flowers to prolong bloom. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to control its spreading tendencies. Provide plants with good air circulation to help combat fungal leaf diseases (see Problems section below). Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding.
This beebalm cultivar is a clump-forming perennial that features tubular, two-lipped, rose red flowers borne in dense, globular, terminal heads (like unkempt mop-heads) atop square stems rising to 3' tall. Each flower head is subtended by (rests upon) a whorl of showy, red-tinged, leafy bracts. Long summer bloom period. Toothed, aromatic leaves can be used for tea and in salads. Attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, particularly when massed.
Powdery mildew can be a serious problem, particularly in crowded gardens with poor air circulation. In addition, if the soil is allowed to dry out, the stressed plants become increasingly susceptible to mildew. This cultivar is reported to have resistance to powdery mildew. Rust can also be a problem.
Provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, meadow, herb garden or along ponds or streams. A good plant for attracting hummingbirds to a bird garden.
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