Bee balm typically starts flowering in late June or early July.
bee balm
Monarda didyma
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is an attractive, fragrant flowering plant native to North America. It is a member of the Mint family and produces a profusion of bright scarlet-red, two-lipped flowers from early summer to fall. It is a favorite for pollinators, and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and does best when planted in masses. Bee balm grows in clumps and expands slowly over time, taking on striking deep red hues in the fall. It also adds a unique minty aroma to the garden, making it a great choice for herb gardens.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Stem Propagation,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Red Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Soil:
Loamy Humus
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) should be watered regularly, usually once a week. Most important is to keep the soil evenly moist but not wet. When the top inch of soil starts to dry out, it is time to water. An inch or 2 of water should be sufficient for each watering. Allow the soil to completely dry between waterings. Make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. During periods of heavy rainfall, give your bee balm the equivalent of a good soaking every 10 to 14 days.
sunlight
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) should receive approximately 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The optimal window for sunlight should be in the morning, when the sun is strongest. By providing your bee balm with between 4-6 hours of sun directly, it will receive the best balance of light and be able to grow best. During midday and afternoon, especially during hot summer months, it may be beneficial to find a spot with some shade for your bee balm. However, if the plant is established it can likely tolerate a few hours of intense sunlight during those times.
pruning
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) should be pruned back in late winter or early spring. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can also be beneficial during the summer. Pruning plants back to 3-4" above the soil line encourages new growth and avoids exposing the crown of the plant. Removal of dead or diseased stems is beneficial to the health of the plant. Pruning also reduces the risk of powdery mildew, a common problem with bee balm, allowing for better air circulation and more sunlight in the center of the plant.
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.
