Description:
As one might guess from the name, Bee Balm attracts bees
along with hummingbirds and other pollinators. These plants also serve as a
butterfly nectar source. It's fragrant leaves are used to make tea and potpourri.
Bee Balm has a tendency to become invasive, so division is necessary every
few years. Division should be done in the spring. Sometimes this plant is
infected with powdery mildew after flowering. If so, cut back to new foliage.
|
| Common
Name: |
Bee Balm, Wild Bergamont,
Oswego Tea, Horsemint, Bergamont |
| Botanical
Name: |
Monarda |
| Type: |
Perennial |
| Soil
Preference: |
This
plant tolerates occasional wetness and will grow in moist soil but prefers well-drained
soil with a pH of neutral. |
| Light
Requirements: |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Attributes: |
Naturalizing,
attracts birds, attracts butterflies, suitable for cut flowers, suitable for dried flowers |
| Pests: |
Aphids |
| Diseases: |
Rust, root and
crown rot. This plant is also susceptible to powdery mildew and rust if the soil is
overly dry and the air circulation is poor. |
| Good
Companion Plants: |
Black-Eyed
Susan, Coneflower,
Daylily, False
Sunflower, Gayfeather,
Goat's Beard, Rose Mallow,
Shasta Daisy,
Speedwell, Yarrow |
| Care: |
In spring, remove
dead foliage only. In fall, cut back to 6" and dead-head spent
flowers. Division is necessary and should be done in the spring. Fertilize
as directed with Plant-tone or slow-release Osmocote. Planting Instructions: Perennials |
| Varieties: |
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda didyma
'Adam'
Bee Balm
zones 4-9
|
| Description: Red flowers, withstands dry conditions better than others.
Fragrant foliage. |
| Bloom Color: |
Red |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
24-36" |
| Spread: |
20-24" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda didyma
'Blue Stocking'
Bee Balm
zones 4-10
|
| Description: Totally unique flowers are deep lilac colored. Fragrant
foliage. |
| Bloom Color: |
Purple |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
36-60" |
| Spread: |
24" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda
'Fireball'
Bee Balm
zones 4-9
|
| Description: Dark green fragrant foliage with deep, red globe-shaped
blooms. |
| Bloom Color: |
Red |
| Bloom Time: |
July-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Dark green |
| Height: |
15" |
| Spread: |
24" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda didyma
'Gardenview Scarlet'
Bee Balm
zones 4-10
|
| Description: The distinctive flowers of 'Gardenview Scarlet' are brightly
rose-red colored. The fragrant green foliage is mildew resistant. |
| Bloom Color: |
Red |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
36" |
| Spread: |
24" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda didyma
'Jacob Cline'
Bee Balm
zones 4-9
|
| Description: The flowers of 'Jacob Cline' are showy, large and red with a
longer bloom season than others. the fragrant foliage is probably one of the best
for mildew resistance. Also serves as butterfly
nectar sources. Pinch or shear this plant in June to control its height and
encourage a later blooming period. |
| Bloom Color: |
Red |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
24-48" |
| Spread: |
24-36" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda didyma
'Marshal's Delight'
Bee Balm
zones 4-9
|
|
Description: Showy pink flowers are tighter than other
varieties. This plant also appears to be mildew resistant.
Foliage is fragrant. Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources. |
| Bloom Color: |
Pink |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
36-48" |
| Spread: |
24-36" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda
didyma
'Panorama Red'
Bee Balm
zones
|
| Description: This superb new variety has gorgeous, showy
flowers in brilliant shades of red. Hummingbirds love it! |
| Bloom Color: |
Red |
| Bloom Time: |
June-September |
| Foliage Color: |
Dark green |
| Height: |
24-30" |
| Spread: |
|
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda x
'Petite Delight'
Bee Balm
zones 2-8
|
| Description: This exciting new lavender pink Bee Balm has a unique dwarf
form. It's foliage is dark green, fragrant, mildew resistant and crinkled.
'Petite Delight' deserves a spot in the front of your perennial border!
Hummingbirds and butterflies can't resist these flowers! |
| Bloom Color: |
Pink |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Dark green |
| Height: |
12-15" |
| Spread: |
18-24" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda
'Petite Wonder'
Bee Balm
zones 4-9
|
| Description: A slightly lower growing Bee Balm with light and clear pink
flowers. Has aromatic foliage which is disease resistant and holds its rich green
color well. Moderately mildew resistant. |
| Bloom Color: |
Pink |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
9-10" |
| Spread: |
18" |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Monarda x
'Raspberry Wine'
Bee Balm
zones 4-9
|
| Description: Deep wine colored flowers appear as "raspberries"
in bud stage. Mildew resistant. |
| Bloom Color: |
Red |
| Bloom Time: |
June-August |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
24-36" |
| Spread: |
24-36" |
