Monarda 'Croftway Pink' typically starts flowering in June.
bee balm
Monarda 'Croftway Pink'
Bee Balm (Monarda 'Croftway Pink') is an outstanding addition to the garden. Abundant pink-blushed flowers draw in numerous pollinators, including bumblebees and the namesake honeybees. Its fragrant foliage has a pleasing minty aroma and makes an excellent addition to teas and other herbal remedies. Deeper green than many other Monarda varieties, it adds color contrast to a flower border. It tolerates moist soil, making it a great option for a were-wet area or rain garden. Reaching heights of 24-36 inches with a spread of up to 30 inches, it's an attractive, compact perennial.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Clear rose pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bee Balm (Monarda 'Croftway Pink') should be watered 1-2 times a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. The best way to determine whether a plant needs watering is to check the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water – if it feels moist, then the plant probably does not need additional water. When watering, make sure to moisten the soil thoroughly and avoid overwatering. If the plant is in a pot, it is a good idea to allow it to drain for a few minutes before discarding the excess water.
sunlight
Bee balm (Monarda 'Croftway Pink') grows best in full or partial sunlight. Full sun exposure is recommended for 6-8 hours per day in spring and summer, which will ensure the greatest flowering potential. During the cooler winter months, 2-4 hours of sunlight per day is sufficient. Partial shade is advisable in hot climates, especially in the afternoon when temperatures are at their highest.
pruning
Bee balm (Monarda 'Croftway Pink') should be pruned in mid-summer after the flowers have faded. Prune back the plant by removing the entire flowering stalk and cutting back the foliage just above a leaf node. This will encourage bushier growth and promote additional blooms. Make sure to prune dead, diseased or damaged foliage and stems immediately, and do a general pruning each season to control the size and shape of the plant. Aim to reduce the stem length approximately by 1-third.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is bee balm a native plant?
Yes, bee balm is a native plant. It is a member of the mint family and is native to much of North America. It is easy to grow and is popular in home gardens and butterfly gardens. The plant is often referred to as wild bergamot, horsemint and bee balm and typically blooms in late summer or early fall. Its fragrant flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds.
Should I plant bee balm in a container or on the ground?
Bee balm is an attractive, fragrant flowering plant that does well in both containers and planted directly in the ground. When planting bee balm in a container, be sure to choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes, and fill it with quality potting soil, or a blend of soil with compost. For best results, plant bee balm in direct sunlight, or in a spot where it will get at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight. When planting bee balm directly in the ground, be sure to choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of space for it to spread and thrive. Adding a layer of compost to the soil will increase drainage and help it thrive. No matter where you plant bee balm, be sure to water regularly, and remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Could bee balm be used in a butterfly garden?
Yes, bee balm can absolutely be used in a butterfly garden. This herbaceous mint produces beautiful, vibrant flowers in shades of red, white, and pink that attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies. In addition to its colorful flowers, bee balm has a strong scent that can be used to entice butterflies even more. To ensure that butterflies visit your butterfly garden, plant bee balm in a sunny location and keep the soil moist.
Is bee balm drought-tolerant?
Yes, bee balm is considered to be very drought-tolerant once established. It can withstand periods of dry weather and does not require frequent watering to survive. It does, however, respond best to wetter conditions, so watering regularly is recommended for optimal health. Bee balm is also suitable for growing in xeriscapes, which are areas with very low water requirements.
Should I deadhead bee balm flowers?
Deadheading bee balm flowers is definitely recommended. This simple process helps to encourage further bloom, as well as preventing the flowers from going to seed. To deadhead, simply use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off the stems that have already bloomed. Be careful not to prune too far back, as this could potentially damage the plant in the process. After deadheading, be sure to dispose of the cuttings away from the plant, to prevent the spread of disease.
Is bee balm annual or perennial?
Bee balm, also called Monarda, is an herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the vibrant colors and aroma of bee balm. The plant is easy to grow, but is usually only grown as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. In colder zones, bee balm will die to the ground as winter sets in, but will return in the spring.
Could bee balm be used in herb gardens?
Yes, bee balm can be used in herb gardens. Bee balm is an attractive perennial herb that provides color and fragrant blossoms, which is beneficial to any herb garden. Bee balm also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. It is easy to grow and care for and can be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal recipes. Bee balm is an ideal ornamental herb to include in any herb garden.
