Bee Balm: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Maintenance

Bee balm is a beloved wildflower in North America known for its vibrant blooms and long flowering season. It belongs to the Monarda genus, which has around 15 species, but most of the varieties sold in garden centers are hybrids based on three species: M. didyma, M. fistulosa, and M. puntata. Bee balm grows from 10 inches to 4 feet tall and has oval leaves that are not very attractive, but its spiky hairdo blooms in scarlet, pink, white, lavender, or purple tubular petals are a major selling point. Bee balm also attracts bees, butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds. It is a fast-growing perennial that can reach full height and flowering maturity in its first season and is typically planted in spring or fall from container-grown nursery plants. While it is not invasive, bee balm spreads quickly so it requires supervision. It can be used for tea, potpourri, and repelling mosquitos. Bee balm prefers moist soil and can tolerate various conditions. M. fistula cultivars are better suited to dry soil. To prevent the plant from taking over, it is recommended to divide the plants every two to three years in early spring and to trim the foliage after flowering to avoid powdery mildew.

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Adrienne Legault from The Spruce created this piece of writing.

Bee balm plants thrive in at least six hours of full sun daily and require soil that is rich, moist, and has a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Regular watering is important to maintain consistently damp soil, especially in the plant’s first year to establish a strong root system. Different types of bee balm have varying degrees of tolerance to dry and humid conditions, and fertilizing with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring can provide added nutrition. Pruning by deadheading after blooming and dividing the clumps every two to three years can help keep the plants healthy. Propagation can also be done through seeds collected from dried flower heads or commercially-bred seeds, and container culture is possible for smaller varieties. Powdery mildew is a common problem for bee balm, but it can be controlled by keeping the plants spaced apart for good air circulation, watering at ground level, and applying fungicides if necessary. To ensure good blooming, bee balm needs adequate sunlight, water, and minimal fertilizing. Late-season issues with sparse foliage can be mitigated through positioning and pruning.