Monarda, Bee Balm, Beebalm, Bergamot, Firecracker Plant, Oswego Tea 'Dark Ponticum'

Positives: Pretty purple flowers, bergamot scented leaves that can be used for tea, very easy to grow

Negatives: Invasive,...Read More since they spread through the root. I planted 2 small plants several feet apart, and 2 years later they have completely taken over that entire area of the garden. They look kind of straggly as they grow taller. (I recommend planting them at the back of the border so other plants will hide the stems.) And mine are susceptible to powdery mildew, possibly due to over watering and/or poor circulation, which is hard to avoid when they grow so prolifically in a full sun garden with plants that need lots of water. I have tried them in other areas of the garden, but the powdery mildew develops there too. Some varieties are supposed to be more mildew resistant.