In the best gardens, plants do more than simply look pretty. Of course, their flowers and foliage have to look attractive, but the best varieties have other features to enjoy and appreciate.
In the case of Monarda, commonly known as beebalm or bergamot, the midsummer flowers are certainly colorful. As one of the best plants for pollinators, they provide an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects, as well as hummingbirds. The leaves are powerfully aromatic, as you’ll notice whenever you touch the foliage, and they also make a refreshing minty tea. The powerful aroma from the whole plant usually prevents browsing by deer and rabbits.
