Scarlet beebalm crowns aromatic, square mint-family stems with shaggy heads of brilliant red tubular flowers in midsummer. Crush a leaf and you’ll recognize the fragrance behind Oswego tea.
Where it grows in North Carolina
Native to the mountains, along stream banks, moist coves, and seepage meadows where soils stay rich and damp. It naturalizes readily in cooler, moister gardens across the state.
Wildlife value
A premier nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds, plus clearwing moths, swallowtails, and long-tongued bees.
In the garden
Plant in moist, fertile soil with good airflow to limit powdery mildew. It spreads by runners — divide every few years to keep the clump vigorous.