Monarda didyma, commonly known as Scarlet Beebalm, is a hardy perennial plant native to eastern North America. It produces square stems growing up to 3 ft in height, with opposite dark green leaves bearing reddish leaf veins and a coarsely toothed margin. The plant bears flowers in dense clusters, with ragged, bright red tubular flowers growing up to 1.5 in long that bloom from mid- to late summer. The plant is extensively grown as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant colors and strong resemblance to the Bergamot orange, which is the source of Earl Grey tea's flavoring. Besides its ornamental use, Monarda didyma has a long history of use as a medicinal plant, particularly by Native Americans. It has also been used as a natural source of the antiseptic thymol, the primary active ingredient in many modern mouthwash formulas. Monarda didyma is easy to grow, thriving in full sun and any well-drained soil.
