Monarda D. 'Coral Reef

Bee Balm Monarda

Monarda didyma ‘Coral Reef’ is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial bee balm with aromatic green foliage and bright coral-pink to salmon-pink tubular flowers held in rounded, shaggy heads. Blooming from midsummer into late summer, it brings strong color to perennial borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, rain-garden edges, and naturalized plantings. It was introduced from the Morden Research Station in Manitoba, Canada and is noted for good mildew resistance.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 18–24 in. wide × 24–42 in. tall
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright, clump-forming, spreading perennial
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil / Water: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; medium to high water
Bloom Time / Length: July to late summer; often several weeks of bloom
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, bumblebees, and butterflies; deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for pollinator gardens, moist perennial borders, cottage gardens, rain gardens, cutting gardens, and mass plantings. The coral-pink flower color is softer than red bee balms and pairs well with purple, blue, white, yellow, and ornamental grasses.

Care:
Plant in rich, evenly moist soil with good air circulation to reduce powdery mildew. Avoid letting plants dry out during hot weather. Deadhead after flowering for a cleaner look and possible rebloom. Divide every few years in spring if clumps become crowded or decline in the center.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-42"

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clumping, Spreading, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No