Monarda didyma 'T & M Superb Mixed' typically starts flowering in late June or early July.
bee balm
Monarda didyma 'T & M Superb Mixed'
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'T&M Superb Mixed') is an herbaceous flowering plant with fragrant, colorful blooms. It's a classic cottage garden favorite that attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. The 1-2ft tall plants have a mild, peppery-mint aroma and produce pale yellow, white, pink, orange, or deep-scarlet thimble-shaped flowers. The foliage and flowers make excellent additions to cut flower bouquets and dried arrangements. Bee Balm is very easy to grow in rich, moist soils and prefers full sunshine in cooler climates. With vibrant coloring and lovely aroma, Bee Balm is the perfect addition to any garden!
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Red, pink and white mixture Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red,yellow,purple
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bee balm should be watered regularly, about once a week or when the soil begins to feel dry. Water the plant deeply, enough to saturate the soil and provide enough moisture for the roots. Avoid over-watering as this can cause fungal diseases such as root rot. In winter, Bee Balm may need less frequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
sunlight
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'T &M Superb Mixed') does best when placed in a sunny spot that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. To take full advantage of the sunlight, you should try to position the bee balm in an area that doesn’t experience a lot of shade, such as a south or east-facing window, or a spot open to the midday and late-afternoon sun. As with many other plant species, it’s important to avoid placing the bee balm in direct, intense sunlight during the hottest times of the day, such as late morning and early afternoon, when the temperature is too extreme and can cause sunburn or death of the flower. Additionally, through the winter months, they may require a bit less direct sunlight, about 4-6 hours, as the intensity of the sunlight is lower in these months.
pruning
Bee balm (Monarda didyma 'T&M Superb Mixed') should be pruned in early spring, before new growth begins. If the plant has become unruly or overgrown, it may need more drastic pruning. Start by cutting back the stems to within a few inches of the ground. This will encourage healthy new growth. Regular maintenance pruning can be done as needed throughout the season, to keep the plant tidy and promote bushier, denser growth. Prune off dead or dying flower heads to encourage re-bloom and remove any spent foliage. Longer stems may be cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 in order to shape and control the size of the plant. Be sure to use clean, sharp garden shears to avoid damaging the stems.
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.
