Posted by
Bonehead (Planet Earth - Zone 8b) on Jul 13, 2016 10:32 AM concerning plant:
Gorgeous color. May be cut in half at 12" for more compact plants. Needs good air circulation. If bothered by mildew (usually after bloom), cut back to healthy growth. Spreads via rhizomes, which are easily pulled out and can be used to start new clumps and to also avoid overcrowding. This is a great plant to have 3-5 clumps of around your yard so your eye will move from one to the other. Pairs well with other vibrant mid-summer blooms. Without any pruning, mine easily reach 4' in height. I'm somewhat confused by the 'red' bloom color in the database; this is clearly a hot fuschia pink to me. No worries, though, the photos speak for themselves.
Posted by
critterologist (Frederick, MD - Zone 6b) on Jun 19, 2018 11:14 PM concerning plant:
I love this bright "firecracker" plant! Tough enough to be a bit thuggish, if it weren't so welcome. I don't have the classic red 'Jacob Kline', but I've planted a number of pink and purple cultivars, and 'Raspberry Wine' has out-performed them all, lasting through several years of varied winter weather and spreading enthusiastically. It's been offered at our plant swaps, so it clearly does well for others in the Mid-Atlantic area also. Fun fact -- the blooms are edible & sweet!
Posted by
Ispahan (Chicago - Zone 6a) on Jul 4, 2012 4:58 PM concerning plant:
A gorgeous, eye-catching, screaming fuchsia pink color. This plant is in its first season in my garden and is currently 5 feet tall and loaded with larger-than-expected blossoms which are popular with an assortment of wonderful pollinating insects. It has shrugged off the extreme heat and drought of this summer. I give it occasional drains with the hose, but so far it has no mildew. It may take over my garden in the future but right now I love it!
Posted by
Natalie (North Central Idaho - Zone 7a) on Sep 7, 2014 9:54 PM concerning plant:
The hummingbirds have gone crazy over this plant, and so have I! It is really gorgeous and has grown really well for me. I had it in my zone 5a garden, moved it with me to a warmer 7a, and it has done really well in both zones. I haven't had any problems with it reseeding, but I would't mind if it did. I had it in full sun in my previous garden and it is in partial shade now, but the shade hasn't bothered it at all.
It also has a very nice fragrance. I can't smell it from a distance due to the wind that never seems to stop here, but up close it is strong, but not overpowering. I can't imagine not having this plant in my yard! I also love it for the color. It is very vibrant and doesn't fade at all.
Posted by
Skiekitty (Denver Metro - Zone 5a) on Apr 14, 2014 11:11 AM concerning plant:
A CRAZY-spreading plant! Started out with 1 little bitty plant, The following spring I had almost 100! Not sure if they're spread from the roots or by seeds. The scent is VERY pungent and I can smell it from over 10 feet away. Brilliant red-fuchsia flowers. Attracts bees & hummers equally. Bumblebees seem to love this plant. Tolerates extreme moisture as long as there's *some* drainage. Tolerates partial shade. Zone 5 w/no protection.
Posted by
SongofJoy (Clarksville, TN - Zone 6b) on Feb 11, 2012 8:31 AM concerning plant:
Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees love this plant. The name "bee balm" derives from the topical use of the aromatic leaves to relieve bee sting.
A close relative of mint, the leaves have a sweet minty odor. The flowers have a mellower perfume largely overwhelmed by the leaves.
It likes full sun, does fine with part shade, and prefers rich, acid soil. It also likes persistently moist, well-draining soil but when established will tolerate short periods of drought.
Good as cut flowers that last a long time in bouquets. Blooms all summer long, strongest from middle to late summer. Can reach 6 ft.
Posted by
Marilyn (Kentucky - Zone 6a) on Apr 1, 2019 7:12 PM concerning plant:
Introduced by the White Flower Farm Nursery, which is located in Litchfield, Connecticut.
