Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Sugar Buzz™ series of Bee Balm is a variety bred to have fabulous disease resistance, while producing a profusion of flower heads per plant. Grape Gumball is an intensely juicy purple color that lives up to these expectations. The flower stems naturally branch without any pinching back of the plants early in the season, making this perennial much more bushy and dense than older varieties. Low maintenance is definitely the buzz word for this Bee Balm.
Grape Gumball Bee Balm is a prolific attractor of beneficial pollinators and Hummingbirds. The disease resistance bred into the Sugar Buzz™ means that this Bee Balm will remain blooming much later in the summer without succumbing to the usual mildew and rusts that Bee Balm is known for. Deer resistant. Bee Balm is a great addition to a cottage garden or a meadow planting and works great in a mixed seasonal container as the “filler” or “thriller” plant.
Sugar Buzz® Grape Gumball Bee Balm Care
Bee Balm will take as much sun as you can give it. Part shade in either the early morning or late afternoon is acceptable and preferable in the hottest of the hardiness zones to give these hard working nectar producers a rest during the hottest time of the day. Well-drained and moist soil is required to keep root rots from forming over the winter months. Average to poor soil is fine. Heavy clay soils will cause Bee Balm to have wet feet over the winter.
Grape Gumball Bee Balm will benefit from annual fertilizing with a well-balanced, slow release food early in the spring. Cutting back the previous years’ growth early in the spring will make way for the new, vigorous growth. Mulching in the fall will help insulate the plant crown from harsh winter temperatures. Organic compost or fallen leaves make wonderful mulches. Dividing is recommended every 3-4 years. Bee Balm tends to expand at the edges and get bare spots in the middle of the plant. Dividing regularly will help the plants to stay full and dense.
Sugar Buzz® Grape Gumball Bee Balm Spacing
Grape Gumball Bee Balm is a relatively compact size. A mature height of 20-24 inches and a spread of 16-20 inches will make this perennial easy to add to established gardens. Space the plants at 16 inches, center on center, to ensure good air circulation.
Compare Sugar Buzz® Bee Balm
Compare flower color, mature size, garden placement, and the features that distinguish each Sugar Buzz® Bee Balm.
| Variety | Flowers | Mature Size | Best For | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep raspberry-purple | 20–24" H × 16–20" W | Rich summer color | Deep raspberry flowers on a compact mound | |
| Lavender-lilac | 20–24" H × 16–20" W | Cool-toned borders | Soft lavender flowers on an upright clump | |
| Hot pink | 20–24" H × 24–32" W | Broad flowering mass | Widest habit with strong hot-pink color | |
| Magenta-purple | 20–24" H × 16–20" W | Deep purple accent | Rich purple color on a compact, mounded plant | |
| Cherry red to deep pink-red | 20–24" H × 16–20" W | Warm-color borders | Warmest flower color in the Sugar Buzz® collection | |
| Blue-purple to lavender | 18–22" H × 18–22" W | Coolest flower color | Blue-purple blooms stand apart from the warmer selections | |
| Pinkish-purple | 14–16" H × 18–24" W | Front of the border | Shortest selection with a broader, low-profile habit |
Sugar Buzz® Grape Gumball Bee Balm Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1-2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 1 Foot
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Clumping
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Vibrant grape-purple
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late June to August
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Sugar Buzz™ Grape Gumball Bee Balm
- Botanical Name
- MONARDA SB 'GRAPE GUMBALL'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!