Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

I added Scarlet Bee Balm a few years back because I wanted more nectar sources for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Rather than the true native, this one is the 'Jacob Cline' hybrid because it was the closest thing I could find locally to the true wild native. In fact, Stein's Garden and Home only had one left on the shelf when I bought it. It looked terrible and was on clearance for $3. I had a feeling it'd do well once planted, and it did! I've divided it three times already and have it growing in a few different areas in my yard. It's an incredible plant and definitely puts on one of the brightest displays, along with my Butterflyweed. Just as I had hoped, the hummingbirds love it! I've also planted true native species for the hummingbirds, such as Cardinal Flower, Great Blue Lobelia, Royal Catchfly, and Eastern Red Columbine, among others.

Throughout my gardens, I plant almost entirely native species, with a few minor exceptions. My garden is not for me, but for the wildlife that depends on it. My garden is a habitat more than it is a garden. I don't really do much maintenance, I let nature do it's thing. Occasionally, a weed will pop and and be removed, but other than that, I don't water, I don't use chemicals, and I only cut my plants down about half-way each year. The debris remains in my garden, where it can become shelter, nesting sites, and mulch.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend planting a native garden or pocket prairie.