How to Grow Scarlet Monarda Raspberry Wine

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Scarlet Monarda Raspberry Wine

Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine'

flower

Scarlet Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' is a stunning cultivar of bee balm featuring deep raspberry-red to wine-colored tubular flowers arranged in dense, shaggy flower heads. This perennial attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators while providing striking color in mid to late summer gardens. The aromatic foliage releases a minty, oregano-like scent when brushed.

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Example Scarlet Monarda Raspberry Wine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Scarlet Monarda Raspberry Wine
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Scarlet Monarda Raspberry Wine blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Monarda Raspberry Wine dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to part shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

💧

Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to reduce powdery mildew risk. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant but performs best with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: First flowering in 60-90 days from transplant; reaches full maturity in year 2

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at soil level; if sowing seeds, press lightly onto soil surface and mist (seeds need light to germinate)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-8; hardy perennial returning reliably year after year

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Early Growth

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with opposite-pair foliage. Young plants develop compact, bushy form with square stems typical of the mint family.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.

Vegetative

6-8 weeks

Robust, bushy growth with lance-shaped, aromatic leaves arranged in opposite pairs. Stems elongate and branch, forming dense mounds.

Pinch back stem tips in early-mid summer to encourage branching and fuller shape. Water consistently. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Dense, terminal buds form at stem tips, tightly packed with developing florets. Buds swell and begin showing deep raspberry-wine coloring.

Ensure adequate water and fertilizer. Support tall cultivars if needed. Continue deadheading any early flowers to redirect energy.

Flowering

6-8 weeks

Shaggy, pompom-like flower heads unfurl in rich raspberry-wine color. Individual tubular florets open progressively over several weeks.

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Water consistently. Watch for powdery mildew; improve air circulation with pruning if needed.

Seed Set & Decline

4-6 weeks through frost

Flowers fade and dry. Seed heads form as individual florets wither; foliage may yellow. Plant energy shifts to seed production and root consolidation.

Leave seed heads for wildlife food and winter interest, or deadhead to prevent excessive self-seeding. Cut back stems in fall or early spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Black-eyed Susan Coneflower Salvia Phlox Catmint Rudbeckia Yarrow Lavender Daylily

Avoid planting near:

Mint (spreads aggressively and competes) Fennel (allelopathic; inhibits nearby plant growth) Parsnip (can inhibit monarda growth)

Common Pests

Ensure good air circulation by spacing adequately and pruning lower foliage. Water at soil level, not overhead. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil if needed; resistant varieties available.
Spray foliage with water to dislodge; increase humidity. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations.
Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation. Water only at soil level. Fungicides may be needed in very humid conditions.
Hand-pick beetles early morning and drop into soapy water. Use Japanese beetle traps at a distance from garden. Spray neem oil if severe.

Uses

🍳

Herbal Tea & Beverages

Culinary

Fresh or dried flowers and leaves brew into a fragrant, minty herbal tea with a slightly floral flavor. Use petals to garnish cocktails and lemonades for visual appeal. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Historically used by Native Americans as a medicinal tea for sore throats, colds, and digestive support. Contains thymol, a natural antiseptic compound. [source]

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Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Excellent nectar source for hummingbirds, bumblebees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Helps support pollinator populations crucial for food crops. [source]

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Dried Arrangements & Craft

Household

Deep wine-colored flower heads retain color and structure when dried, making them ideal for long-lasting floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts. [source]

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Garnish & Flavor Infusions

Culinary

Edible petals add striking color and minty flavor to desserts, salads, and infused oils. Ideal for gourmet plating and creating visually stunning dishes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest flowers for fresh arrangements when fully opened but still vibrant. Cut stems in morning after dew dries. For dried flowers, cut when fully bloomed and hang upside down in a cool, dark, airy space. For culinary/medicinal leaves, pinch tender leaves throughout growing season before flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom season.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Raspberry Wine' is sometimes called Bee Balm because of its intense attraction to bees and hummingbirds; it's a native North American plant that was traditionally used by Oswego Indians, giving rise to the alternate common name Oswego Tea.
🌱 The minty, aromatic foliage contains essential oils similar to oregano and thyme, making the entire plant fragrant and attractive to beneficial insects while deterring some pests naturally.
🌱 Monarda spreads via rhizomes and can become quite vigorous; 'Raspberry Wine' is less aggressive than some cultivars but still benefits from dividing every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Perennial Pinch Back True Leaves

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