This plant was used to make tea when the real thing was being thrown into Boston Harbor. The flowers are red, large, and showy. Great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. The fragrant leaves are narrow and dentate. The oil is used in perfumery and the tea has been used for colds and sore throats. The plant prefers moist, light soil, sun or partial shade; flowering will be prolonged in partial shade. Monardas as a Genus are prone to downy mildew which will not harm the plant but can be unattractive; we cut ours back after flowering to manage this problem.