Part of the outstanding Sugar Buzz series of Monardas, Cherry Pops Bee Balm delights us in midsummer with masses of cherry red 2-2.5″ flowers. It forms a solid dome of brilliant flowers on well-branched plants. The flowers’ sweet nectar attracts hoards of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden.

The dark green foliage forms an upright clump that will fill out containers nicely but won’t run all over the garden. The Sugar Buzz series of Monardas is perfectly suited to the middle of the flower border. All four unique colors in this series are similar in size, bloom time, and vigor, making it easy to group together.

Monarda is native to Missouri, so this cultivar is easy to grow, and it multiplies quickly. The aromatic foliage smells like mint when crushed and is often used to flavor teas.

Plant in full sun, at least 6 hours of sun a day, but if you have afternoon sun you can get away with a little less. Add organic matter when planting. Although drought tolerant once established, plants will benefit from deep soakings. For best blooming, keep well watered when plants are setting up buds and flowering.