Bee balm (Monarda) is a show-stopping plant that brings color and life to any garden. With its bright, spiky flowers and delightful fragrance, it’s no wonder this plant has been a favorite of gardeners, bees, and butterflies for centuries. Not only is bee balm beautiful, but it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to herbal remedies and attracting pollinators!
Growing bee balm is easy, and it’s a great choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color and a touch of nature to their outdoor space.
Popular Bee Balm Varieties:
Care
- Water: Bee balm likes to stay a little moist but doesn’t enjoy being soaked. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. This will help prevent root problems like rot.
- Light: Bee balm thrives in the sunshine! Aim to plant it in a spot where it can get about 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. It can handle some shade, but too much and you might not get as many of those bright, beautiful blooms.
- Soil: This plant isn’t too picky, but it does best in soil that drains well. A mix of loamy or sandy soil (with pH level of 6.0 to 7.0) works great. You can also toss in some compost to give it an extra nutrient boost.
- Temperature and Humidity: Bee balm is a tough plant that can handle both warm and cool weather, though it prefers temperatures between 60 and 80°F (15 to 26°C). It loves humidity, making it a great choice for gardens in wetter climates.
Planting & Growing
Bee balm can be planted in spring or fall, but spring is the best time if you’re dividing existing plants. Choose a spot with good air circulation and at least 6 hours of sun to prevent powdery mildew.
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
- Keep the soil moist by watering every 7 to 10 days, soaking it about 6 to 8 inches deep. Mulch helps lock in moisture and keeps weeds away.
- Don’t overdo it with fertilizer—too much can cause too many leaves and lead to mildew.
- Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
- After the first frost, cut the plant back to 2 inches.
- Divide the plant every 2 to 3 years to keep it healthy.
Pruning
Pruning bee balm is super important to keep it looking its best and growing strong. By trimming the plant at the right times, you’ll get more colorful blooms and help it stay healthy year after year. The best times to prune are early spring and late fall, but there are also quick maintenance tricks you can do throughout the growing season. It not only helps with growth, but it also controls the plant’s spread and prevents common issues like mildew.
Want more details on how to prune like a pro? Check out our full guide below to keep your bee balm thriving all season long!
Common Pests
Bee balm is generally easy to care for, but like all plants, it can attract some unwanted visitors. Keep an eye out for:
- Powdery mildew (a common fungal disease)
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bee balm need to be cut back?
Cut back Bee Balm stems after flowering to encourage new blooms. In fall or winter, prune it down to just above the soil.
Does bee balm need a lot of sun?
Bee balm grows best in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight. Less sun means fewer flowers and a higher risk of mildew.
Does bee balm spread?
Bee balm spreads through its roots and can expand in your garden. After a few years, the center of the plant might die off.
Why is my bee balm dying?
Bee balm often gets powdery mildew, which makes the leaves look dusty and can cause them to brown or fall off. This is a common issue with bee balm. You can treat this by spraying a mix of 1 teaspoon insecticidal soap or lightweight horticultural oil in a gallon of water, or by using organic fungicides like Neem to help control the mildew.
