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Hardy perennial
Lamiaceae
Perennials
Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet'
Monarda didyma
Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet': 90 cm high and 60 cm spread, sun to partial shade. Scarlet red flowers in July-August. Zone 4; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 4
Discover the plant
Common nameBee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet'
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusMonarda
SpeciesDidyma
CultivarCambridge Scarlet
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameMonarda didyma
For a sun to partial shade composition, Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet') offers flowers in shades of red, scarlet. Among its distinctive features: aromatic foliage. The foliage has shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is July-August. Its size of 90 cm by 60 cm reserves it a place in the middle of a flower bed and in group plantings, without forgetting the space of its neighbours.
In terms of cultivation, Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' appreciates sun to partial shade; the recommended soil is humus-rich, retaining its freshness during growth, without stagnant water around the collar. For Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain fresh. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate water requirements. Keep 60 cm as a guideline between plants; this helps preserve their shape and access for care. The indicated hardiness level is zone 4, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.
To maintain the interest of Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' after flowering, water at the base and limit the expansion of rhizomes when they encroach on neighbouring plants. Monarda benefits from fresh soil and good air circulation; overly dense clumps encourage foliage problems. For associations, consider bellflowers, coneflowers, daylilies in varieties with similar needs. Keep its 90 cm height in mind to place lower plants on the right side and allow the flowers to be visible during July-August.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
23.62 inches
Best planting time
Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to settle before the severe cold.
Propagation
Division or separation of offsets according to the group, preferably outside of flowering. Seedlings do not necessarily reproduce the characteristics of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet': Spring after the thaw, or early autumn, allowing the roots to establish before severe cold sets in. For Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Monarda benefits from cool soil and good air circulation; overly dense clumps encourage foliage problems.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to neutral to alkaline; general indication of the botanical group
Care level
Regular maintenance
Watering
For Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry out and adjust the watering frequency according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water.
Soil type
Humus-rich, retaining its freshness during growth, with no standing water around the crown
Fertilization
Fertilizer for flowering
Moisture
Regular watering during growth
Seasonal care
Cambridge Scarlet Beebalm: water at the base and control the spread of rhizomes when they encroach on neighboring plants. During its flowering period (July-August), also monitor damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
A stable, perforated container, noticeably wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To try Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (60 cm). The substrate should remain moist; it will dry out faster than in the ground. Plan for container protection in winter depending on your climate.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
3 feet (91.5 cm)
Width / spread
24 inches (61 cm)
Flower color
Red
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous in cold climates
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Erected
Fragrance
Aromatic foliage
Bloom period
July-August
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Companion plants to consider for Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet': campanulas, echinaceas, daylilies. Choose varieties that tolerate sun to partial shade and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.
Plants to avoid
Around 'Cambridge Scarlet' bee balm, avoid neighbors that would shade its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Where to plant Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
Provide sun to partial shade and suitable soil (humus-rich, retaining moisture during growth, with no stagnant water around the crown). Monarda thrives in cool soil and good air circulation; overly dense clumps encourage foliage problems.
Where should I plant Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
Allow approximately 90 cm in height and 60 cm in width at maturity. Roughly 60 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a border and for group plantings.
When does Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' bloom?
The period indicated is July-August. The flowers are red, scarlet. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
For Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water the base when the surface starts to dry, and adjust the amount of water according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Water the base and limit the expansion of the rhizomes when they encroach on neighboring plants.
Can Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' be grown in pots?
To try 'Cambridge Scarlet' Bee Balm in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (60 cm). The substrate should remain moist; it will dry out faster than in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
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