monarda – raspberry wine

a.k.a. – wild bergamot, bee balm, Oswego tea
latin name: monarda didyma ‘ Raspberry Wine’

zone: 4-9
type: perennial
light:  full sun to partial shade
ht: 36” (90cm)
spacing:  14-18” apart

description:  bushy clump forming perennial.  Flowers grow in clusters and are berry-red in color.  Blooms from mid-summer to late fall.  Uniquely shaped flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

harvest: pick fresh leaves and flowers to use as required.  Flowers also great used as cutflowers in an bouquet arrangement.

culinary notes:  leaves used to make a good tea.  Steep a small handful of fresh leaves in boiling water with a slice of lemon or orange.  Add honey to taste.  Leaves also used to season meat, game or vegetable dishes (especially those with tomatoes).  Flowers are edible and can be tossed into a salad for color.  Flower tastes strongly ‘herby’ with a mint overtone.