Monarda Red Velvet (PW) Red Velvet Bee Balm (PW)

Proven Winners® Red Velvet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma ‘Red Velvet’) is a bold, pollinator-friendly perennial known for its rich, velvety red blooms and improved garden performance. This variety produces dense clusters of vibrant flowers from mid to late summer, creating a strong visual impact in borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized plantings. Its deep red colouring adds intensity and contrast to mixed perennial beds, pairing well with ornamental grasses, echinacea, rudbeckia, and other sun-loving plants.

The upright growth habit and sturdy stems make Red Velvet an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and structure to garden designs. The aromatic foliage not only adds sensory appeal but also helps deter deer, making it a practical option for many landscapes. Like other Proven Winners® monarda varieties, it offers improved resistance to powdery mildew compared to older cultivars, resulting in healthier foliage throughout the season.

In Alberta, Red Velvet Bee Balm performs best in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from good air circulation and consistent watering during dry periods. This hardy perennial is an excellent addition to pollinator-focused gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while providing reliable, long-lasting summer colour.