Quick answer: Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) is native to 25 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Alex Abair, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Rich, moist, acid soils, juglone tolerant |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Oct |
| Height | 2-4 ft, up to 6 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds/butterflies/bees, special value to native and bumble bees |
none noted (colonizes by rhizomes, may need dividing every 3 years — growing note, not invasive designation)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Scarlet beebalm
Where is Scarlet beebalm native?
Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) is native to 25 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Scarlet beebalm bloom?
Scarlet beebalm blooms May-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Scarlet beebalm need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Rich, moist, acid soils, juglone tolerant. Mature height: 2-4 ft, up to 6 ft tall.
Is Scarlet beebalm good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds/butterflies/bees, special value to native and bumble bees.
Is Scarlet beebalm deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Scarlet beebalm is deer-resistant and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Scarlet beebalm seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Monarda didyma on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Scarlet beebalm.
- Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Hollow Joe-pye weed Eutrochium fistulosum
- Sundial lupine Lupinus perennis
- Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.