Species

35 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm

Q: What zones can Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm grow in?

Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm deer resistant?

Yes — Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Q: When does Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm bloom?

Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm need full sun?

Leading Lady Razzberry Bee Balm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Monarda didyma 'Leading Lady Razzberry'

$16.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Monarda, or Bee Balm, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North America. They are known for their aromatic foliage and showy, tubular flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators.

'Leading Lady Razzberry' is an exceptionally compact and early-blooming variety, forming a tidy mound of glossy, dark green foliage. Its raspberry-purple flowers appear weeks before other Monardas, and it reblooms well after shearing.

Uses & Benefits:

Its dwarf, tidy habit makes 'Leading Lady Razzberry' perfect for the front of borders, edging pathways, or in decorative containers where its early, vibrant blooms can be appreciated up close.

The compact size makes it an ideal, low-maintenance choice for smaller gardens or urban balconies, providing maximum color in a minimal footprint. Its aromatic leaves can be used for teas.

As one of the first Monardas to bloom, it provides a crucial early-season nectar source for emerging bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, bridging the gap between spring bulbs and high-summer flowers.

SpeciesMonarda didymaBee Balm Oswego Tea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (genus)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Great Garden Plants

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal PotTrays

In Stock$16.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Incorporate compost to enrich the planting area.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
Set the plant so its crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firming gently around the base.
Water deeply after planting and monitor moisture for the first season.

Pro Tip

Shear the entire plant back by half after the first wave of flowers fades for a strong rebloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for the best flowering and form.
Provide good air circulation to prevent disease.
Shear back after flowering to promote new growth and more blooms.
Divide every few years to keep the plant healthy.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely for extended periods.
Don't overcrowd with other plants.
Refrain from heavy fertilization, which can cause floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact front-of-border accentPollinator-friendly container plantingEarly color for cottage gardens

Companion Plants

Coreopsis Nepeta Geranium Salvia Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions