Overview
- Common Name: Bee Balm
- Botanical Name: Monarda spp.
- Color: Purple (varieties include lavender to deep magenta shades)
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Height: 2 to 4 feet tall depending on variety
- Spread: 1 to 3 feet wide
- Hardiness Zones: USDA 3–9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (typically July to August)
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Purple bee balm is part of the mint family, known for its aromatic foliage and vibrant, tufted flowers. It’s both ornamental and functional—great for cutting gardens, pollinator habitats, and herbal use.
Varieties of Purple Bee Balm
Some popular purple varieties include:
- Monarda ‘Purple Rooster’: Deep, vivid purple blooms; mildew-resistant.
- Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ (a purple-toned blue): Strong stems, great for cutting.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot): Native variety with soft lavender-purple flowers and a natural, airy form.
Planting Bee Balm
When to Plant
- Spring: Best time for planting bare roots or nursery starts.
- Fall: Early fall is also suitable, allowing roots to establish before winter.
Where to Plant
- Light: Full sun is ideal (6 to 8 hours of direct light daily). In hotter climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent stress.
- Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Amend with compost for best results. Avoid overly dry or sandy locations unless amended.
Spacing
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow airflow and reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Growing and Caring for Bee Balm
Watering
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
- Once established, bee balm is moderately drought-tolerant.
- Avoid letting soil completely dry out during bloom season.
Mulching
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
Fertilizing
- Bee balm typically doesn’t need much fertilizer.
- Apply a light dose of compost or a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Staking
- Taller varieties may benefit from staking or being planted near sturdy neighbors.
- Cutting the stems back in early June (by about one-third) can encourage bushier growth and reduce flopping.
Blooming and Deadheading
- Blooms appear from mid-summer through late summer, depending on the climate and variety.
- Deadhead spent flowers to extend the bloom period.
- You can cut bee balm back by half after the first bloom to encourage a second flush in late summer or early fall.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune stems down to the base after the first hard frost.
- In spring, remove any remaining dead stems and refresh mulch.
- Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Powdery mildew | Poor air circulation, humidity, overhead watering | Plant with space between, water at base, choose resistant cultivars |
| Leaf spot | Fungal disease, often in wet conditions | Remove infected leaves, improve airflow |
| Floppy stems | Too much shade or high nitrogen | Provide sun, avoid over-fertilizing, trim in early summer |
| Weak bloom | Overcrowding, depleted soil | Divide plants, refresh soil with compost or organic matter |
Pests and Wildlife
- Bee balm is generally deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its strong scent and flavor.
- Attracts beneficial pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Hummingbirds are especially drawn to the tubular blooms.
Companion Plants
Bee balm works beautifully in mixed perennial beds and borders. Good companions include:
- Echinacea (coneflower)
- Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan)
- Salvia
- Yarrow
- Shasta daisy
- Russian sage
- Native grasses like switchgrass or little bluestem
Plant with other summer bloomers for a pollinator-rich, colorful display.
Propagation
By Division
- Divide established clumps every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding.
- Best done in spring or early fall.
- Replant divisions promptly at the same soil level and water thoroughly.
By Seed
- Bee balm can be grown from seed, but it may take 2 years to flower.
- Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after frost danger passes.
- Stratifying seeds in the fridge for a few weeks improves germination.
Harvesting and Uses
- Bee balm leaves can be harvested for herbal tea or culinary use. They have a minty, oregano-like flavor.
- Flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads.
- Dried bee balm can be used in potpourri or as an herbal remedy (traditionally used to relieve colds and digestive issues).
Winter Care
- Bee balm is cold hardy in most temperate regions.
- After frost kills the foliage, cut the stems down to about 2 inches above ground.
- Apply a light mulch to protect roots in colder climates.
Summary Care Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained |
| Water | Regular; keep evenly moist, especially during bloom |
| Fertilizer | Compost or light-balanced feed in spring |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late summer |
| Spacing | 18–24 inches |
| Problems | Powdery mildew, leaf spot |
| Wildlife | Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
| Propagation | Division or seed |
Final Thoughts
Purple bee balm adds beauty, motion, and ecological value to any garden. With its vivid flowers and aromatic foliage, it’s a standout in mixed borders, native plant gardens, and wildlife-friendly spaces. Give it sun, space, and a little seasonal maintenance, and it will reward you with a vibrant display and a flurry of pollinators every summer.