Bee balm typically starts flowering in July.
bee balm
Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Purple'
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Purple') is a perennial herb of the mint family known for its beautiful lavender-purple flower whorls that bloom from June to August. This plant grows to a height of approximately 24-39 inches tall and produces colorful flowers that attract nectar-seeking bees and butterflies. Fragrant foliage of this plant is widely used in various herbal and culinary recipes such as tea and is also popular for its medicinal properties. It is an easy-care plant that likes full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Bee Balm is an ideal addition to any garden for its beauty and sweet scent.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Dark fuchsia to purple Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Purple') should be watered regularly to ensure proper growth and flowering. During the active growing season, it is best to water this plant once or twice a week. In extremely hot weather, it may need to be watered more often. During the cooler months, water should be reduced to about once per month, depending on conditions. Keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy is important for its health. Overly wet soil can cause root rot.
sunlight
Bee balm (Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Purple') requires full sun to partially shaded exposure, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant species should not be exposed to prolonged periods of intense afternoon sunlight, as this can cause it to become scorched. Providing some afternoon shade can be beneficial to plant health and help to reduce the amount of moisture lost. It's important to ensure the plant receives an adequate amount of sunlight each day to promote strong, healthy growth and vibrant flower colours.
pruning
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Purple') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the new shoots of growth start to appear. This will promote healthy and vigorous growth of the plant, which will develop strong stems and colorful blooms. Pruning should be done by cutting off any dead or damaged branches, as well as any old flower heads from the previous year. It is also important to prune the foliage back to a height of approximately 12-18 inches, as this will encourage the plant to produce full and bushy growth. By pruning your Bee Balm, you can ensure that your plant will continue to thrive and provide you with lovely blooms for many seasons to come.
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.
