Chenille, taffeta and velvet may sound like the hottest designer fabrics for 2023, but they are the newest Upscale Monarda, or bee balm, coming out this spring. The Upscale Monarda series from Proven Winners packs native DNA from 23 states and Canada that will allow you to create the pollinator habitat of your dreams.
As you probably have guessed, three colors will be available: Upscale Pink Chenille, Upscale Lavender Taffeta and Upscale Red Velvet. Their sizes go up in that order too, with Pink Chenille at 20-22 inches, Lavender Taffeta at 22-26 inches and Red Velvet up to 32 inches with new growth foliage sporting a bronzy cast.
Botanically speaking, bee balm is in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. Don’t let this put fear in you, because this just means it has some family members you already love, like salvia, coleus, oregano and thyme. Believe it or not, American beautyberry is also in the family.
