Bee Balm: Scarlet (Monarda Didyma)
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Scarlet beebalm is an aromatic perennial plant that is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). The flowers bloom from June through September in beautiful clusters of scarlet red. Scarlet Bee Balm may be grown as a ornamental plant or wildflower both within and outside its native range. Adds vibrant color at a time when other plants are apt to be drab and will thrive in any moist soil that is well-drained! Bee Balm has a long history of use as a medicinal plant by many Native Americans, and is the natural source of the antiseptic Thymol. The leaves of the plant have a minty scent and are a good ingredient for potpourri making. Leaves are also used in salads and beverages! These flowers are also recommended for attracting hummingbirds!
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Scientific Name: Monarda Didyma
Also Known As: Oswego Tea, Beebalm, Bergamont, Firecracker Plant, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Crimson Beebalm
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Habitat: It can often be found along stream banks, thickets, road edges and at the borders to woodland openings.
Maturity (Blooms): July to August
Light: Full sun to partial shade. It preforms best in full sunlight but is very adaptable to partial shade conditions.
Soil Moisture: Wet to Medium. Scarlet beebalm prefers moist but well drained soils. Although it can tolerate drought, scarlet beebalm performs better with adequate soil moisture.
Growing Conditions: It grows best in a moist, rich loamy soil with high organic matter content but can tolerate almost any well-drained soil. Scarlet beebalm prefers a pH in the 6.0 – 7.0 range.
Attracts Beneficial Insects: Yes. Scarlet beebalm is an important plant for pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies and, to a lesser extent, moths, bees and other pollinating insects. Because of the structure of the flower tubes, long proboscises are needed to be able to reach the nectar.
Height: 24-48”
Spacing: 12-24”
USDA Zone: 4a-9b.
Produces: beautiful clusters of scarlet red flowers that are solitary, terminal and rounded on the end of the branching stems, supported by leafy bracts.
Garden Uses: Butterfly magnet for border fronts. Provides color and contrast for the perennial border, cottage garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow, herb garden, naturalized planting or along ponds or streams. Good plant for butterfly gardens and bird gardens.
Also Known As: Oswego Tea, Beebalm, Bergamont, Firecracker Plant, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Crimson Beebalm
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Habitat: It can often be found along stream banks, thickets, road edges and at the borders to woodland openings.
Maturity (Blooms): July to August
Light: Full sun to partial shade. It preforms best in full sunlight but is very adaptable to partial shade conditions.
Soil Moisture: Wet to Medium. Scarlet beebalm prefers moist but well drained soils. Although it can tolerate drought, scarlet beebalm performs better with adequate soil moisture.
Growing Conditions: It grows best in a moist, rich loamy soil with high organic matter content but can tolerate almost any well-drained soil. Scarlet beebalm prefers a pH in the 6.0 – 7.0 range.
Attracts Beneficial Insects: Yes. Scarlet beebalm is an important plant for pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies and, to a lesser extent, moths, bees and other pollinating insects. Because of the structure of the flower tubes, long proboscises are needed to be able to reach the nectar.
Height: 24-48”
Spacing: 12-24”
USDA Zone: 4a-9b.
Produces: beautiful clusters of scarlet red flowers that are solitary, terminal and rounded on the end of the branching stems, supported by leafy bracts.
Garden Uses: Butterfly magnet for border fronts. Provides color and contrast for the perennial border, cottage garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow, herb garden, naturalized planting or along ponds or streams. Good plant for butterfly gardens and bird gardens.
Germinate seed indoors by sowing in flats or plug trays containing a suitable soil mixture, e.g. one-third sand and two-thirds commercial plug mix. The soil should be moist and firm before seeding. Cover the seed with a thin 1/8” layer of soil to keep the seed moist. Seed should germinate in 1 to 2 weeks.
Add water to the flats when the soil surface is dry to the touch. Apply a starter fertilizer when the seedlings are 2 to 3 weeks old. Transplant seedlings into larger containers after 6 – 8 weeks. Space plants transplanted to the field 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart. This allows for sufficient air flow, reducing the chances of powdery mildew infection. Also, providing room for growth as the plants develop into 24 to 36 inch (60 to 91 cm) diameter clumps. Seed can be planted directly to the desired site by broadcasting in late winter through spring. Planting sites should be sunny with adequate soil moisture and reduced weed competition. Once seedlings emerge, apply water during extended dry periods to aid in survivability.
Scarlet beebalm is a low maintenance plant but benefits from care. Before planting, the addition of leaf mold and compost increases soil organic matter and improves the moisture holding capacity. Fertilize plantings in the spring with an all-purpose fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10). Thinning stems early in the season will allow air circulation helping reduce mildew. Stems developing mildew are removed at the base of the plant and discarded. In sunny locations, scarlet beebalm is a prolific producer of blooms. Removal of the senesced flowers will prolong the blooming period and provide additional resources for pollinators. Clumps can be divided every 2 to 3 years in early spring while still dormant. It is also a good practice to mow the area, once a year, after the hardest killing frost. This keeps woody plants from encroaching and removes plants that have died back.
Bee Balm flowers bloom from July to August. Gather edible leaves and flowers in bloom, dry on small bundles in paper bags in a dry, well ventilated area. Bee Balm can be used as tea, or as an aromatic suitable for sachets and potpourri.
Seed ripens in the late fall to a medium brown color with a firm texture. When the seeds are ripe, the seed heads should be clipped from the plants and allowed to air-dry for several days. Once dry, inverting the seed heads and tapping them will dislodge most of the seed. This can also be accomplished by placing the seed heads in a paper bag and shaking to dislodge the seed. Remove the chaff from the seed by running it through a sieve. Stratify the seed for three months in wet sand or peat prior to planting at 34 to 40 0F (1 to 4 0 C).
The Monarda flowers are edible and the mint-scented leaves are used in teas or in potpourri.
Scarlet beebalm was used extensively by Native Americans to treat a wide range of ailments. As the common name implies, scarlet beebalm was used to soothe bee stings by crushing the leaves of the plant and rubbing them on the skin. The Blackfeet used the plant as an antiseptic for skin and mouth infections. Poultices were applied directly to the skin to treat infections and minor wounds. Plant leaves were used to make an herbal tea for infections in the mouth and throat. The Cherokee and the Teton Dakota used the herb to treat stomach ailments. The Winnebago concocted a tea from the plant which they used as a general stimulant. Scarlet beebalm was used as a carminative to treat flatulence and as an anthelmintic for treatment of internal parasites. It has also been used for headaches, fevers, colds, sore throats, nsomnia, nausea, vomiting, and bronchial ailments. One of the common names, Oswego tea, is derived from to the Oswego Native American tribe in upstate New York who taught the early settlers how to make the plant into an herbal tea. Settlers used scarlet Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Guide beebalm when regular tea was scarce and as a replacement for black tea.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Hummingbird Garden Plants:
Bee balm attracts hummingbirds with its red and pink blossoms and its tubular flowers that are naturally suited for a hummingbird's long beak. Other similar flowers include Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa), with red and yellow flowers, or silver sage (Salvia argentea), with white flowers tinged with red. Both companions also thrive in full sun or partial shade in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Herbs:
As a member of the mint family, bee balm leaves have a minty smell and make a pleasant, herbal tea. Bee balm adds color and height to an herb garden and should be planted near the center of the garden surrounded by your preference of shorter herbs grown as annuals, such as basil, thyme, chives and parsley. Add a perennial herb such as rosemary in USDA plant hardiness zones 7a through 11 for year-round interest in the garden bed.
Colors:
Also grown in full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 11, bright yellow daylilies would work well planted in the same garden bed with the warm colors of bee balm. For a contrasting accent, midnight blue agapanthus (Agapanthus x "Monmid") adds the cool-blue color in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 11.
Shapes:
As a 6- to 8-inch ground cover growing around the base of bee balm, the light green leaves and multiple flowers of dwarf annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5a through 11 and come in a variety of colors. The blue-gray leaves of the perennial blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) contrast nicely in both shape and color with bee balm. Blue oat grass thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Bee balm attracts hummingbirds with its red and pink blossoms and its tubular flowers that are naturally suited for a hummingbird's long beak. Other similar flowers include Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa), with red and yellow flowers, or silver sage (Salvia argentea), with white flowers tinged with red. Both companions also thrive in full sun or partial shade in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Herbs:
As a member of the mint family, bee balm leaves have a minty smell and make a pleasant, herbal tea. Bee balm adds color and height to an herb garden and should be planted near the center of the garden surrounded by your preference of shorter herbs grown as annuals, such as basil, thyme, chives and parsley. Add a perennial herb such as rosemary in USDA plant hardiness zones 7a through 11 for year-round interest in the garden bed.
Colors:
Also grown in full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 11, bright yellow daylilies would work well planted in the same garden bed with the warm colors of bee balm. For a contrasting accent, midnight blue agapanthus (Agapanthus x "Monmid") adds the cool-blue color in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 11.
Shapes:
As a 6- to 8-inch ground cover growing around the base of bee balm, the light green leaves and multiple flowers of dwarf annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5a through 11 and come in a variety of colors. The blue-gray leaves of the perennial blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) contrast nicely in both shape and color with bee balm. Blue oat grass thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Suggested Varieties
Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum)
$1.00 - $5.60
The original strawflower comes from Australia, where it still grows wild as a native species. The first botanical records of the strawflower date back to 1803, with the publication of a work called Jardin de Malmaison. this book, a catalog of the species grown at the Chateau de Malmaison, was completed by French botanist Etienne Pierre Ventenat at the request of Napoleon's wife Josephine, who had an avid interest in rare plants. Hybrid forms of this flower first became popular in mid 19th century Europe as a result of the horticultural research of expert botanist Herren Ebritsch.
Penstemon: Scarlet Queen (Penstemon Hartwegii)
$1.00 - $5.60
A striking, upright plant suitable for sunny wildflower gardens, borders and rock gardens, "Scarlet Queen" penstemon (Penstemon hartwegii "Scarlet Queen") displays tubular-shaped blooms of bright red with white centers all summer long. Native to the western United States, this prairie plant reaches mature heights of 2 to 3 feet. "Scarlet Queen" penstemon is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Balsam: Camilia Flowered Mix (Impatiens balsamina)
$1.00 - $5.60
This old fashioned cousin of the garden impatiens originates in the southeastern regions of Asia. Its genus name Impatiens comes from its "impatient" habit of exploding its seeds from their pods at the slightest touch. Dr. John Kirk, chief medical officer and expert botanist on numerous exploratory journeys led by Dr. Livingston, introduced this plant to his homeland. Victorian gardeners often included it in their flowerbeds, but the appearance of more showy hybrid varieties soon overshadowed the modest beauty of this species.
Poppy, Peony: Red (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Grown as an annual flowering plant, the Red Peony Poppy will grow quickly from freshly harvested flower seeds, bloom in the late spring to early summer, later wilting with the arrival of winter. The seed pods, once dried can be cut, for use in floral arrangements and bouquets. The seeds can also fall to the bare ground beneath, establishing new plants the following growing season.
Poppy, California: Red Chief (Eschscholzia californica)
$1.00 - $5.60
These poppies have a habit of opening and closing with the sun, appropriate for their native Golden State. The first member of the California poppy genus was identified in 1816 by German botanist Adelbert von Chamisso on an exploratory voyage to California and the Pacific Northwest. Chamisso named this genus “Eschscholzia” after a fellow botanist, Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, who accompanied him on the journey. Nearly a dozen species of poppy grow wild in the western United States.
Purslane: Rock (Calandrinia Umbellata)
$1.00 - $5.60
An easy and fast growing member of the portulacae family with succulent leaves forming a dense crown below sprays of stunning bright magenta blooms throughout the warmer months. Also known as "Rock Purslane" or Purple Moon" this is an ideal plant for poor dry sites where little else will grow. Soundly perennial though often treated as an annual in cold , frosty climates.
Four O' Clocks: Red (Mirabilis jalapa)
$1.00 - $5.60
Named for its characteristic of blooming after 4pm, four o’clock flourishes almost anywhere including hot, windy spots. Excellent as an annual hedge. Perennial in USDA zones 9–11, otherwise grown as an annual. Reseeds freely. Wonderful in barrels, tubs, or other large containers. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant.
Columbine: Wild (Aquilegia canadensis)
$1.00 - $5.60
The name “columbine” is derived from the Latin “columba,” or dove, since an upside down columbine bloom looks like a circle of doves around a fountain. The Latin genus name “Aquilegia” means “eagle,” a reference to the spikes on the back of the flower that resemble an eagle’s talons. These unique hollow spurs on the blossoms contain an abundance of nectar, though only hummingbirds and other long-tongued feeders such as the hawk moth can reach it. Ruby-throated hummingbirds especially love this plant. Its natural habitats are woodland areas, rocky slopes, or along streams. A native wildflower, columbine has thrived in both America and Europe since the 1600s; in medieval times, these flowers symbolized foolishness because of their resemblance to a court jester’s slippers. Native Americans used this plant medicinally to treat various complaints such as poison ivy rash, heart trouble, or fever; they also crushed the seeds to obtain a pleasing perfume.
Zinnia: Cherry Queen (Zinnia elegans)
$1.00 - $5.60
Beautiful big red blossoms grow on three-foot high plants. Zinnias are easy to grow, and bloom quickly to fill your garden or patio with color all summer. They'll keep blooming all through a hot season, and make wonderful cut flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds will be attracted to them too.
Yarrow: Red (Achillea millefolium rubra)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to Southern Europe, yarrow has been a traditional part of herb gardens for hundreds of years because of its fragrant foliage and cheerful, long lasting flowers. Yarrow can often be found in fields, along roads, or on rocky hillsides. Linnaeus named it for Greek general Achilles, who according to legend received yarrow as a gift from the gods; the general’s soldiers used yarrow to stanch the flow of their blood in the battlefields of the Trojan War. In the early days of the American prairies, Native American tribes such as the Pawnee, Cherokee, and Chippewa used common yarrow to relieve pain and headaches, reduce fever, and induce sleep. When taken internally as a tea, yarrow purifies the system and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Cosmetic preparations sometimes include yarrow because of its cleansing, refreshing effect. Medicinal use of yarrow is not recommended for expectant mothers.
Clover: Crimson (Trifolium incarnatum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Most commonly known as crimson clover, this wildflower is also called Italian or French clover in reference to it's nativity to Europe. This annual species blooms in a strawberry red, and it's delightful fragrance attracts bees by the score! A non-invasive, annual species of clover, it is often used as a cover-crop. In southern climates, plant it during your off-season, and watch the amazing results of this rich, nitrogen producing plant! The earthworms love it! Also a protein-rich forage crop for cattle and livestock, this gem of a wildflower is indispensable!
Sage: Scarlet (Salvia coccinea)
$1.00 - $5.60
Closely related to the Red Salvia, this wildflower is somewhat less formal, and tends to look most becoming in natural wild gardens. The spikes of the fire-engine red flowers add great color and interest to a meadow, while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This carefree annual is the only native sage to have red flowers!
Basil: Purple Ruffles (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Ted Torrey, once the director of the Vegetable Research at the W. Atlee Burpee & Company, developed the Purple Ruffles variety of basil. This cross between Green Ruffles and Dark Opal varieties of basil was first released in 1984, and won the AAS Award in 1987.
Basil: Sweet (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Basil: Lemon (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Lemon basil comes from a cross between African basil and common basil, and is widely grown in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. Popular for its strong lemon scent, lemon basil is often found in Lao, Persian, Arabian, Indonesian and Thai cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Basil: Clove Scented (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Basil: Italian Large Leaf (Ocimum basilicum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Chefs in the Neapolitan region of Italy regard this variety of sweet, Genovese-type basil as the essential type of basil for their traditional cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.
Basil: Spicy Bush (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Definitely one of the best looking basils around, Spicy Bush Basil is a must have! It not only looks good being a petite ornamental bush with small ¾” shiny leaves, but it is also very aromatic and taste fantastic in salads, pesto and much more! This fine herb will grow practically anywhere from rock gardens, herb beds, to container gardening.
Thyme: Common (Thymus vulgaris)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, thyme has a well established reputation for providing healing and protection; it also symbolizes courage, bravery, and strength. For centuries, soldiers would wear or carry sprigs of thyme with them to battle with the belief that the herb would protect them from danger. For culinary use, it is most often paired with lamb, poultry, or lemon; thyme makes one of the finest flavors of honey, and the plant attracts many bees. Medieval herbalists treated poisonous stings or bites with this herb, or burned it to purify the air. During the time of the Black Death, thyme became a major ingredient in many treatments for the disease. Whether or not it actually performed a cure, recent research confirms that thyme contains a very powerful antiseptic that may have medical benefits; records show several instances of thyme syrup completely curing whooping cough within a week. Though culinary use is fine, pregnant women should not take medicinal doses of thyme.
Thyme: Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)
$1.00 - $5.60
This plant is widely known as an herb. Thyme is the source of the oil Serpolet, which is used in herbal medicine. The plant is also often used as a food seasoning and the dried leaves may be used to make tea! This low growing plant with creeping, woody foliage bears small, lavender colored flower during the months of June and July. The hardy plant tolerates some pedestrian traffic and produces odors ranging from heavily herbal to lightly lemon, depending on the plant!
Chives: Garlic (Allium tuberosum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Originating in western China, garlic chives have been used in Asian cuisine for thousands of years. Unlike the traditional tubular leaves of regular chives, garlic chives have flat, narrow blades; some gardeners blanch their garlic chives, causing them to develop a pale yellow color. Traditional pad Thai, Chinese jiaozi, and various Korean dishes such as buchukimchi often contain garlic chives; they also make a popular addition to stir fries, soups, and dishes with eggs or fish. These delicately garlic scented leaves are often used more as a vegetable than an herb, and may also substitute for standard chives. Garlic chives provide abundant vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Chives: Onion (Allium schoenoprasum var. album)
$1.00 - $5.60
Chives, the oldest species of edible onion known, has been used in China since about 3000 B.C. The botanical name actually comes from the Greek meaning, "reed-like leek". Chives are now grown all over the world; historical legend states that Marco Polo discovered this herb in China and brought it back to his native land. Medieval gardeners often planted chives around the borders for both decoration and to ward off harmful insects. Traditional medicinal uses, though not as common, included treatment for high cholesterol and poor digestion. Along with parsley, tarragon, and chervil, chives is included in the famous blend of herbs known as "Fines herbes." The onion-like flavor of chives makes them a traditional addition to dishes with cheese, eggs, fish, or potatoes; the flowers make a delicate herbal vinegar, in addition to being a colorful addition to salads.
Parsley: Italian Giant (Heirloom) (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Parsley has a long and colorful history, being well known in many cultures. Myths and legends abound concerning this herb, making it the symbol of such widely varying things as death, victory, and life. One colonial superstition connecting parsley with death held such power that many farmers refused to grow this herb at all. Curly leaved parsley is the most well known and commonly available herb; it contains vitamins A and C as well as other valuable antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
$1.00 - $5.60
Rosemary, whose Latin name means "dew of the sea," is native to the rocky slopes of the Mediterranean coast. Because it traditionally symbolizes happiness, protection, and love, medieval brides often wore rosemary or carried it in their bouquets. Legend has it that the flowers of rosemary, originally white, obtained their heavenly blue color from the cloak of the virgin Mary in her flight to Egypt. Rosemary is often grown for topiaries and hedges, in addition to being used for making fragrant garlands and wreaths. When used medicinally or for aromatherapy, rosemary gives relief from headaches, tension, depression, or fatigue; externally, oil of rosemary makes an excellent addition to massage oil for rheumatism or aching joints. This herb gained an early medicinal reputation for improving memory and uplifting spirits. Medicinal doses are not safe for pregnant women, but normal culinary use is fine.
Canterbury Bells: Blue (Campanula medium)
$1.00 - $5.60
An old-fashioned biennial. Canterbury Bells form a low rosette of green leaves and upright stems that bear loads of large blue dangling bells. Stems are superb for cutting. Allow some plants to self seed, which will produce another generation for future years.
Morning Glory: Heavenly Blue (Ipomea tricolor)
$1.00 - $5.60
Classic "Heavenly Blue" morning glories are a special favorite of gardeners, and won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Morning glory flowers open with the morning sun and close when it sets. Though each flower only lasts for one day, their abundance and beauty have made them a garden favorite for centuries. Early Japanese and Chinese cultures especially valued this plant for its aesthetic and medicinal qualities. According to historical research, ancient peoples of Mexico and South America also used the sticky liquid of the morning glory vines as a crucial ingredient in the production of latex.
Morning Glory: Picotee Blue (Ipomoea nil)
$1.00 - $5.60
Tender, flat, deep green oval leaves with a delicate flavor perfect for spinach salads. Fast growing, heat tolerant and extremely disease resistant. It is a 3-season semi-savoy spinach, with deep green oval leaves on upright plants.
Sage: Meadow (Salvia Pratensis)
$1.00 - $5.60
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Meadow Sage is useful for its rich display of spikes in the early summer border. This selection is medium in size, with flowers of deep violet-blue. Remove faded blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Excellent for cutting. Tolerates heat and humidity but appreciates a soil that does not dry out. Plants may be easily divided in early spring or fall. In mild winter regions this may stay evergreen but should be trimmed back hard in early spring. Attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Cornflower: Dwarf Blue (Centaurea cyanus)
$1.00 - $5.60
These bright blossoms once grew wild in the fields of the United Kingdom and southern Europe, though they have become very rare in recent times because of the changing landscape and new farming techniques. This species was first recorded for botanical records in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. While the genus name “Centaurea” comes from Greek mythology, the common name of Bachelor’s Button comes from the tradition of young men wearing the flower as a sign of love. They were also called cornflowers because of their abundant growth in farmers’ fields. At one time the blue blossoms were made into a temporary dye most often used for tinting frosting, sugar, or candies.
Sage: Kitchen (Salvia officinalis)
$1.00 - $5.60
A plant with a variety of uses! May be grown for the beauty of its violet blossoms, or used as an herb in the kitchen! Kitchen Sage has a peppery flavor and has been used to flavor food, especially meats and cheeses. Sage is also used in the field of medicine, and has been recommended for many ailments, including the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease!
Lupine: Sky (Lupinus nanus)
$1.00 - $5.60
This wildflower was first found near the Columbia River and described in 1828 by Scotsman David Douglas, the first botanist to methodically find and classify over 250 plants in the northwestern region of the United States.The name Lupine comes from the Latin “lupus,” meaning wolf. This refers to the folk belief that this plant took nutrients from the soil. Ironically, this plant actually improves the soil because of its nitrogen fixing abilities.
Camass: Blue (Camassia quamash)
$1.00 - $5.60
According to botanist Leslie Haskin, “There is more romance and adventure clustered about the camas root and flower than about almost any other American plant.” Because of its edible bulbs, this plant was a culinary delicacy for Native Americans and early settlers. Traditionally, the bulbs were cooked slowly for several days to achieve a sweet, nutty flavor. They could also be dried and ground for flour or boiled down to a sweet syrup. Meriwether Lewis discovered this plant growing in the Quamash flats near the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and documented his find on June 23, 1806 of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In his diary, he records that Blue Camass in bloom "resembles lakes of fine clear water, so complete in the deception that on first sight I could have sworn it was water."
Sage: Blue (Salvia farinacea)
$1.00 - $5.60
Sage Blue Salvia Farinacea grows as a sub-shrub perennial in warmer climates and as an annual where winter temperatures stay below freezing for more than a few hours at a time. Also commonly called Mealy Cup Sage, Salvia Farinacea features silver-green foliage with long, toothed leaves and produces multiple spikes of showy, about an inch long, bright blue flowers that are arranged in loose whorls along the upright stems. Mealy Cup Sage blooms over a long season starting in spring. The showy, fragrant Blue Sage flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Penstemon: Rocky Mountain (Penstemon strictus)
$1.00 - $5.60
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Hardy, drought tolerant, and stunningly beautiful, what more could you want? Rich indigo blooms tower high on this Beardtongue, and are loved by hummingbirds and bees. Rocky Mountain Penstemon is one of the easiest Beardtongues to grow, and has a long blooming period of about a month in the Spring. A real show stopper!
Cornflower: Tall Blue (Centaurea cyanus)
$1.00 - $5.60
These bright blossoms once grew wild in the fields of the United Kingdom and southern Europe, though they have become very rare in recent times because of the changing landscape and new farming techniques. This species was first recorded for botanical records in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. While the genus name “Centaurea” comes from Greek mythology, the common name of Bachelor’s Button comes from the tradition of young men wearing the flower as a sign of love. They were also called cornflowers because of their abundant growth in farmers’ fields. At one time the blue blossoms were made into a temporary dye most often used for tinting frosting, sugar, or candies.
Pea: Blue Butterfly (Heirloom) (Clitoria ternatea)
$1.00 - $5.60
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Butterfly pea vine is part of the Clitoria genus and its scientific name is Clitoria ternatea. The ternatea part of this plant's botanical name means 'set in threes'. It is native to tropical equatorial Asia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with elliptic, obtuse leaves. It grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. The most striking feature about this plant are its vivid deep blue flowers; solitary, with light yellow markings. They provide quick covers for lattice, trellis, arbor and chain-link fence, and are a favorite food source for butterflies.
Iris: Wild Blue (Iris missouriensis)
$1.00 - $5.60
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The word "iris" comes from Greek, meaning "rainbow." The mythical Iris of Greek legend personified the rainbow, acting as the messenger from heaven to earth. This flower also appears in ancient Egyptian sculpture and tradition, as a symbol of life and power. Native Americans and early settlers found a practical use for this plant, using the valuable fibers from the leaves to make ropes, nets, and string.