Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’, also known as Bee Balm, is a hardy perennial with striking, bright-re...Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’, also known as Bee Balm, is a hardy perennial with striking, bright-red flowers that appear in dense clusters through the summer months. Flowering from July to September, it adds a strong splash of colour and height to beds and borders, while its scented leaves carry a fresh bergamot aroma. The vibrant blooms are also a favourite with bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. This plant is easy to grow and care for. It thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. Keep it watered during dry periods and remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms. In autumn, cut the stems back to ground level to prepare for healthy growth the following year. With very little effort, Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ will return each summer, bringing reliable colour, fragrance, and pollinator activity to your garden. Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves. Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ is a classic bee balm with bold, scarlet-red flowers that bring instant impact to beds and borders. Flowering from mid to late summer, this hardy perennial adds rich colour and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. With its upright stems, striking blooms, and fresh-scented foliage, it’s a standout choice for gardeners looking for scented plants for garden borders and wildlife-friendly spaces.
This guide is for gardeners who want to attract pollinators and add vibrant color to their beds and borders. Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', or Bee Balm, provides stunning scarlet-red flowers from mid to late summer and attracts bees and butterflies. Keep in mind that as a live plant, each Monarda will be unique and may differ from the images shown. Also, the plant will be supplied in a grower's pot.
All features
Model Part Number
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'
Brand
Gardeners Dream
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How much sunlight does Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' need?
It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
How often should I water my Bee Balm?
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
When should I cut back the stems?
Cut the stems back to ground level in the autumn to prepare the plant for the next growing season.
How can I encourage more blooms?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Is Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' deer resistant?
While not entirely deer-proof, it is generally less attractive to deer than other plants.
What kind of soil does Bee Balm prefer?
It prefers moist, well-drained soil. Amending heavy clay soil with organic matter can improve drainage.
How tall does Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' grow?
It typically grows to a height of about 2 to 3 feet.
Troubleshooting
Plant not flowering.
Ensure the plant is getting enough sunlight and the soil is not too dry or waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers.
Leaves show signs of disease or pests.
Inspect the plant regularly for pests or diseases. Treat any issues with appropriate solutions, and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Plant growth is stunted.
Check the soil conditions, ensuring it is well-drained. Provide adequate nutrients, and make sure the plant is getting enough sunlight.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Adds vibrant, long-lasting color to garden beds and borders.
Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
Offers a pleasant bergamot fragrance from its leaves.
Requires minimal effort to grow and maintain.
Provides a reliable splash of color throughout the summer months.
Cons
Individual plants may vary from images due to their natural growth.
May require regular watering during dry periods.
Needs deadheading to encourage more blooms.
Can be susceptible to certain pests or diseases, though generally hardy.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting: Plant Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' in full sun or partial shade. Ensure the soil is moist but well-drained.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist.
Soil: Bee Balm prefers well-drained soil. Amending heavy clay soil with organic matter can improve drainage.
Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) will promote the best flowering, though it can tolerate partial shade.
Pruning: Cut the stems back to ground level in autumn to prepare for the next growing season.
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Compatibility: This plant is great for a bee-friendly garden.