Bee Balm ‘Jacob Cline’

Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’

Characteristics

Culture

Bee Balm ‘Jacob Cline’ is known for its enormous flowers and disease resistance.  It is a clump forming perennial boasting vibrant red flowers borne on dense, globular terminal heads.  Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to early fall, they rest on a whorl of decorative dark-purplish bracts and attract scores of butterflies and hummingbirds.  The vibrant color is set off by the dark green foliage.  Dark green leaves have an aroma of mint and basil.  Best grown in rich, medium to wet, moisture-retentive soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers rich, humusy soils in full sun, although some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. Bee Balm “Jacob Cline’ does best in well-draining conditions, but can tolerate heavier clay. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom or to prevent self-seeding. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to control spread of the plant. Provide plants with good air circulation to help combat fungal leaf diseases. Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies.

Noteworthy Characteristics

It is a somewhat coarse, clump-forming, mint family member that features bright scarlet-red flowers somewhat resembling unkempt mop-heads. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to control spread of the plant. Provide plants with good air circulation to help combat fungal leaf diseases.  Whorls of scarlet red tubular flowers blend perfectly with prairie wildflowers and herbs. Single plants make a great show, but groups heighten the effect. Dark green leaves have an aroma of mint and basil. High mildew resistance. Herbaceous.

Common name of bee balm is in reference to a former use of plant resins to soothe bee stings.

Problems

Mildew resistant variety.  Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.

Garden Uses

Whorls of scarlet red tubular flowers blend perfectly with prairie wildflowers and herbs. Provides color and contrast for the perennial border, cottage garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow, herb garden, naturalized planting or along ponds or streams. Good plant for butterfly gardens and bird gardens.