Lot Location: 5A.6
Monarda is a genus of about 15 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials from prairies and woodlands in North America. They flower from mid-summer to early fall and are loved by bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Some monardas are commonly called beebalm in reference to a prior use of the leaves as a balm for bee stings.
'Raspberry Wine' was hybridized by Darrell R. Probst of Hubbardston, Massachusetts and introduced by White Flower Farms in 1992. Its erect square stems have opposite, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, serrated, deep green leaves (3-6” long). The leaves have an aroma of mint and basil and can be used to flavor teas. Its tubular, two-lipped, raspberry-red, fragrant flowers are crowded into dense, globular, terminal flowerheads (to 3-4” across) somewhat resembling unkempt mop-heads. The flower buds resemble raspberries. 'Raspberry Wine' grows 3 to 4 ft. tall and 2 to 3 ft. wide. Reputed to have good resistance to powdery mildew, it may also be sold as Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine'.