scarlet beebalm

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-4 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Take cuttings in late spring. Cold moist stratify seed for 3-4 weeks.

Plant Planting Notes

Plant in an area where this plant can spread.

Plants/Diseases

High susceptibility to powdery mildew. Avoid top watering. Available cultivars are powdery mildew resistant.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves opposite, lanceolate to ovate with serrate margins.

Flowers

Bright red tubular flowers arranged in a head.

Fruit

Capsule.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Flowers and leaves are edible and used in tea.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Borderline wet areas such as seepage slopes and streambanks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the mountains. Not naturally occurring in the rest of South Carolina.