Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' typically starts flowering in late June or early July.
bee balm
Monarda 'Raspberry Wine'
Bee balm (Monarda 'Raspberry Wine') is a stunning flowering perennial with ruffled raspberry-pink blooms surrounded by fragrant purple bracts. Growing up to 3 feet tall, it is perfect for adding texture to the back of a flower border. It is a popular plant for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, and its leaves are suitable for use in teas. This drought-tolerant plant is easy to care for and thrives in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soils. Plant in clumps or in a mass for best display of its showy blooms.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Raspberry red Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water bee balm (Monarda 'Raspberry Wine') regularly during its growing season in spring and summer, typically once to twice a week as needed to keep the soil slightly moist. Reduce watering frequency in late summer and autumn as temperatures cool and growth slows. During winter in cold climates, stop watering the plant until spring. Bee balms prefer cool weather and hate to "sit" in overly wet or soggy soil; avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Understory plants and those in containers will require more frequent and diligent watering than those in open, sunny beds.
sunlight
Bee balm (Monarda 'Raspberry Wine') prefers at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day. Morning sunlight is best, however, as too much afternoon sun can lead to leaf scorch. In hot climates, Bee Balm will appreciate a bit of afternoon shade or afternoon water if it appears to be wilting under the heat. Give the plant plenty of airflow as well, as warm, humid conditions can lead to powdery mildew.
pruning
Bee Balm (Monarda 'Raspberry Wine') should be pruned in late winter or very early spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Pruning should focus on removing up to 1-third of the oldest and tallest stems of the plant, which encourages vigorous new growth and overall health. You should also remove any dead flowers or stems with yellow or brown foliage. It is important to keep the plants well-shaped and looking good, as more flower buds will set on a well-shaped plant. Make sure to sterilize any pruning shears or scissors that you use to avoid spreading disease between plants.
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.
