beebalm Interesting Notes

Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ was introduced by White Flower Farm in 1992. Clear wine-red flowers bloom from June through August with buds really resembling raspberries! Growing 3-4’ tall and equally as wide, ‘Raspberry Wine’ is very mildew resistant. It is cherished by butterflies and hummingbirds but loathed by deer.

Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ is sometimes listed as Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine’. Monarda spp. originate in North America and the parentage of ‘Raspberry Wine’ has M. didyma which prefers average to moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun. However, M. fistulosa, another parent, tolerates some dry periods. For best performance, beebalm needs good air circulation. To prolong the flowering season, deadhead blooms. The plant spreads by rhizome to form clumps.  

A wonderful plant used en masse plantings in perennial gardens, cutting gardens, wildlife gardens, and in a perennial border, Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ brings bright and cheery color to the landscape and seedheads provide winter interest. Mammals avoid browsing Monarda due to its pungent oregano aroma. Monarda spp. support a wide variety of butterflies, moths, long-tongued and short-tongued bees, skippers, and butterflies and are excellent additions to a wildlife garden.

Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers average to moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Do not let the soil dry out. Needs good air circulation. Deadhead to prolong flowering season. Has creeping rhizomes that usually form in clumps. Propagated by seed and division every 2-3 years. Best used in mass plantings in perennial gardens, cutting gardens, and along streams.

Good Substitutions

Monarda bradburiana

Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'

Monarda 'Judith's Fancy Fuchsia'

Monarda 'Petite Delight'