Blue Stocking Bee Balm

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ ('Blaustrumpf') is commonly referred to as bee balm and is a vibrant, spreading perennial. The main features of the plant are the fragrant blooms and attractive foliage. It grows in an upright habit with rigid, square stems. The blooms come in shades of blue, and the large velvety leaves grow fast. Blue Stocking is a mid-to-late summer bloomer; the buds open in early July, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The blooms are perfect for cut-flower arrangements, and stand out among informal borders and containers. This bee balm is good for planting in groups and adds texture to the landscape. It is deer resistant, rabbit resistant, edible, and more mildew tolerant than many bee balms. 

Native to North America, from the far North all the way to the South in Georgia, Blue Stocking Bee Balm grows in hardiness zones 3-8.  Its mature height is 30-36” with a spread of 18-24”. Extremely pollinator friendly, Bee Balm attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Bee Balm’s growth habit is upright and spreading. This variety is known for its unique color and good mildew resistance. 

Blue Stocking Bee Balm Care

When planting, the crown of the plant should be resting just at or above the soil surface after being watered in. Make sure to leave space between plants as they will need room to spread out and naturalize. Water well until established, and then water your Bee Balm if rainfall is less than one inch per week in your area. Fertilize once annually in the fall or spring with a topdressing mixture of compost and a balanced fertilizer.

Bee Balm adapts to a wide range of soil types including average, loamy, and clay-based soil. The soil should be well-draining but moist. It performs best and grows more vigorously when planted in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil blends. This plant should receive full sun to partial shade. Planting your Bee Balm in part shade is recommended if you live in a very hot, dry climate. To keep growth vigorous, divide the plants in the fall every few years. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more blooming. Bee Balm is a fast and vigorous grower and should be cut to the ground after flowering is complete in order to promote healthy new growth.

Blue Stocking Bee Balm Spacing

Space Bee Balm plants 12-18 inches apart so they have room to spread and naturalize. This showy plant is a bright addition to informal borders, prairies and meadows. This variety has an extended bloom time, more than four weeks!