-
Summer Bulbs & Tubers
Summer Bulbs & Tubers
-
Bare-root Perennials
Bare-root Perennials
-
Shop by Solution
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Bee balm)
£4.89
Unit price perEstimated Delivery between January 10 and January 12.
Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ produces vivid, shaggy scarlet flower heads that bring hot summer colour to borders and cutting gardens, and it’s a standout plant for attracting pollinators in wildlife-friendly planting.
Forming a vigorous clump to around 90cm, it carries its blooms above aromatic foliage and flowers over several weeks in summer, creating a bold vertical accent and plenty of stems for informal bouquets.
Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Monarda performs best where it isn’t allowed to dry out completely and where air can move around the leaves.
Water during dry spells, mulch in spring, and deadhead to extend the display. In autumn, cut back spent stems to the base, and divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous and flowering well.
Perfect for cottage borders and mixed planting with grasses and perennials, this bee balm is also valuable for bees and butterflies, making it both beautiful and beneficial in the summer garden.
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Bee balm)
Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ produces vivid, shaggy scarlet flower heads that bring hot summer colour to borders and cutting gardens, and it’s a standout plant for attracting pollinators in wildlife-friendly planting.
Forming a vigorous clump to around 90cm, it carries its blooms above aromatic foliage and flowers over several weeks in summer, creating a bold vertical accent and plenty of stems for informal bouquets.
Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Monarda performs best where it isn’t allowed to dry out completely and where air can move around the leaves.
Water during dry spells, mulch in spring, and deadhead to extend the display. In autumn, cut back spent stems to the base, and divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous and flowering well.
Perfect for cottage borders and mixed planting with grasses and perennials, this bee balm is also valuable for bees and butterflies, making it both beautiful and beneficial in the summer garden.
| Botanical name | Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (syn. Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet') |
| Flower colour | Deep scarlet red |
| Tuber size | Grade I (Top Size) |
| Established height | 90 cm |
| Established spread | 45 cm |
| Plant spacing | 3 per m² |
| Leaf colour | Green |
| Habit | Clump-forming |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Years to establish | 1st year |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Position | Exposed or Sheltered |
| Suitable for | Pots, Borders, Cutting garden |
| Soil acidity | Any |
| Soil moisture | Moist but well-drained |
| Soil type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| RHS Award (AGM) | No |
| Growing skill | Easy to grow |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Deer resistant | No |
Planting and Flowering Calendar
Key Features
Packed in paper
Packed peat-free
Great for Shade
Attracts wildlife
Fragrant
Good for cutting
The Finest Bulbs
We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.
A Greener Thumb
We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.
An Unrivaled Selection
Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.
Our Bloom Guarantee
We stand behind our quality. From our expert planting guides to our customer service, we ensure your gardening success.
Kind Words from Our Gardeners
Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!
Careane Wallace
The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again
David P
I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!
Eleanor R
Somerset