dotted beebalm

Dotted beebalm (Monarda punctata 'BeeBop') should be watered once a week to maintain soil moisture. Soak the soil deeply, using enough water so that it reaches the bottom of the root system. However, it is important not to overwater the plant and to avoid waterlogging. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Monarda punctata 'BeeBop' can also benefit from occasional misting, especially when there is little or no rainfall.

Dotted beebalm (Monarda punctata 'BeeBop') needs direct sunlight to grow, bloom, and thrive. It should be grown in a location that receives full sun, which is more than 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Depending upon its location, this could mean anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. In general, the more sunlight this plant receives throughout the day, the better its blooms will be. If grown in full shade, dotted beebalm may not get enough energy to produce the same amount of flowers.

Dotted beebalm should be pruned at least once a season - during late winter, late summer or early fall. Generally, mid-season trimming of spent flowering spikes can also promote more vigorous flowering. When pruning, cut off old flower stems at the base near the ground and remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. Aim to keep the plant at a desired size by gently thinning out some of the inner, older growth. Too much pruning may impair flowering, so be sure to keep the shape and size in check. That said, this is an adaptable species, so experiment!