Bee Balm – ABC Wednesday
B is for Bee Balm, otherwise known as Bergamot and Oswego Tea is more properly known as Mondarda didyma. It has been used as a tea for centuries and is still found in herbal tea blends, and other flowery tea blends such as Earl Grey.
The Shakers grew bee balm commercially because of its many uses as a tea and culinary herb. It also was used medicinally for colds and sore throats. It is the leaves that are used. A good pruning after bloom will usually generate a second autumnal bloom.
The leaves can be used fresh for tea, or harvested and dried for two or three days, out of the sun, and then stored.
Early in my friendship with Elsa Bakalar who lived and gardened in Heath, we collaborated on an article for Horticulture Magazine about color in the garden. Shades of color are always difficult todescribe and define. Elsa expressed her frustration with catalog descriptions and complained that using the word red was not useful. “I need to know what kind of red a flower will be if I am going to make a useful garden plan. To me, scarlet is the color of a gurardsman’s tunic and crimson is the color of Victorian draperies. Bee balm gives a perfect example.
Crimson bee balm
This is my crimson bee balm, a rich royal red with a touch of blue.
Scarlet bee balm
I cannot say that my other bee balm is ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ or ‘Colrain Red’ but it is a light bright red. “Just think of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, tall dashing men in their brilliant tunics.”
Elsa is no longer gardening, although she is still willing to give some pretty sharp opinions. My bee balm continutes to remind me of beautiful days in the garden with Elsa and being inspired to grow flowers for the first time.
Logon for more Bs in this the 5th round of ABC Wednesday. Thank you Mrs. Nesbitt.
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Tags: Herbs
ABC Wednesday, Herbs, My Plants | Pat July 29, 2009
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By Joann, July 29, 2009 @ 9:41 am
Very nice post about colours and Bee Balm. I’d forgotten about that plant and would like to add some to my garden. I agree with Elsa that the shade of red is important. The first photo is closer to a fuchsia colour in my mind.
By Martha, July 29, 2009 @ 9:53 am
Beautiful plants!
Mine is here
By Roger Green, July 29, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Not familiar w bee balm. I learn something new each week.
By Regina, July 29, 2009 @ 10:38 am
Wow, I love the scent of Bergamot.
Beautiful shots and post!
Regina
By admin, July 29, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Joann – My camera isn’t always true to colors, but you are right, crimson is closer to fuchsia.
Martha – Bee balm is a strong grower. Carefree.
Roger – Bee balm is a great plant. Bees and hummingbirds love it.
Regina – They do have a good scent. Thanks for the kind words.
Pat
By Frances, July 29, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
Hi Pat, what a healthy stand of Mondarda! Ours does not grow that luxuriously, perhaps the lack of rain and too good of drainage for this moisture lover on our slope. Your color explanations are fabulous, as the dear Ms. Elsa must also be.
Frances
By Peter, July 30, 2009 @ 6:03 am
When we first moved to rural Massachusetts we were too overwhelmed by all that needed to be done to the house, so the garden (which did not then exist) was something we put on hold that first season. Lo, and behold! First there were the seemingly indigenous orange daylilies everywhere, for which we were thankful. And then what had at first appeared to be a rather tall weed (what did we know?) revealed itself as the most perfect shade of red bee balm. I’ve often puzzled over how a woman finally chooses the “right” shade of lipstick or nail polish. So many choices, so many shades. Is it Schiaparelli’s “Shocking” red or “Love That Red”? For the first time in my life I learned the difference (substantial) between crimson and scarlet. And I learned of “Cambridge” red. How to describe our red? Apparently it was unusually enough for people to stop and suggest that they’d love to have some seeds or cuttings. The red did not veer off toward purple. It was a strong red with just the right balance, a monarchical Monarda with a strong and clear color presence. That it’s bergamot scents evoked Constant Comment tea (this was thirty years ago and at that time that tea was, for us, infinitely exotic in comparison with our daily Lipton). In the winter we learned to appreciate the robust structure of the bee balm as it withstood the winter snow. It was a new plant to me, neophyte gardener that I was, and I’ve had an affection for it ever since. Bee balm does all the work as long as I do my part: admire it year round. A deal made in heaven.
By admin, July 30, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Frances – There has been NO lack of rain this summer. 3 inhces in the last 24 hours. We are hoping for no rain tonight. Tents are being set up and the Family will be arriving.
Peter – Bee balm is only one of those heavenly flowers that requires nothing more than admiration.
Pat
By Anne, July 31, 2009 @ 12:53 am
What beautiful plant – such a wonderful colour. A