Monarda 'Mahogany' typically starts flowering in late June or early July.
bee balm
Monarda 'Mahogany'
Bee balm (Monarda 'Mahogany') is a versatile and beautiful perennial herb with vibrant, dense spikes of deep flowers. Its fragrant aroma attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It grows in sunny areas, 3-4 feet tall, and has bright green-red leaves on a mahogany colored stem. Mahogany bee balm is ideal for flower beds, naturalized areas, or for planted in containers and window boxes. It blooms in late summer and fall, adding beauty and color to any garden. Its dried leaves can also be used in teas and potpourri. Bee balm is easy to grow and will add a dramatic statement to any sunny garden bed.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Wine red Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bee Balm (Monarda 'Mahogany') should be watered regularly, about once a week, or when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. It appreciates a good deep soaking, and should be watered until water is seen running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent this problem.
sunlight
Bee balm (Monarda 'Mahogany') prefers 6 to 8 hours of full sun, although it can tolerate some shade in the afternoon during the middle of summer when it is hottest. It should receive direct sunlight for most of the day, preferably in the morning when the sun is not at its strongest. Bee balm should be planted in a spot where it will receive some afternoon shade, such as under a tree that has a higher canopy, to avoid intense heat and sunburn. During the winter months, the plant may need less sunlight so it can go dormant. However, it should still receive several hours of direct sunlight each day.
pruning
Bee balm (Monarda 'Mahogany') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, about 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. For best results, about 1-third of the dead flower stalks should be removed from the plant. This will encourage new growth and promote more blooms during the growing season. If the plant becomes unruly, trimming back parts of the foliage will help create a more compact and neat looking shape.
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.
