Bee Balm
Uses:
- Pollinator Gardens
- Low Maintenance Gardens
- Containers & Planters
Features:
- Native to North America
- Deer Resistant
- Very Fragrant
Sunlight:
- Partial Sun to Full Sun
- 5+ Hours of Direct Sun
Bee Balm, often called monarda, is a native flowering perennial that blooms from summer to fall and has fragrant foliage all growing season. The plants are very beneficial to wildlife including bees, butterflies, & birds.
About Bee Balm (Monarda)
Genus
Species
Family
Monarda
Didyma
Lamiaceae
Common Names:
Beebalm, Bee Balm, Bee-balm, Bergamont, Bergamot, Crimson Bee-balm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, Scarlet Bee Balm
Native To:
North America
Plant Type:
Perennial
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3-9
Flower Color:
Red, Pink, Purple
Flower Bloom Time:
Summer
Growth Habit:
Clump
Attracts:
Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Moths, Pollinators, Bees
Tolerates:
Summer
Resists:
Black Walnut, Deer, Insect Pests, Rabbits, Wet Soil
Types of Bee Balm
| Type | Scientific Name | Color | Height | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Bee Balm | Monarda didyma | Red | 2–4 feet | Attracts hummingbirds; mildew-resistant varieties. |
| Wild Bergamot | Monarda fistulosa | Lavender to pink | 3–4 feet | Drought-tolerant; popular with bees and butterflies. |
| Lemon Bee Balm | Monarda citriodora | Purple to pink | 1–2 feet | Citrus-scented leaves; ideal for herbal teas. |
| Spotted Bee Balm | Monarda punctata | Pale yellow/purple | 1–3 feet | Unique layered flowers; thrives in sandy soils. |
How To Use Bee Balm In The Garden
Bee balm is a versatile plant known for its colorful blooms and ability to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and be sure to space plants properly to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent mildew. Bee balm thrives in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes, adding both beauty and ecological benefits. Regular deadheading encourages continued blooming throughout the season.
Bee Balm Care
Bee balm (Monarda) is a low-maintenance, flowering perennial native to North America, cherished for its vibrant blooms and its appeal to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its benefits extend to birds as well, as its fall seed pods provide sustenance. Resistant to deer and rabbits, bee balm thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making it an ideal addition to many gardens. Whether grown in containers or garden beds, its versatility and charm are unmatched.
Learn More About Bee Balm
Bee Balm Companion Plants
Plants that go well with bee balm are sun loving annuals, perennials and shrubs that pollinators love. Some of our favorite plants to grow with bee balm are phlox, roses, coneflowers, daylilies, and also pairs well with ornamental grasses. It is also frequently grown in vegetable gardens because the foliage can help keep several common pests away.
