Bee Balm Care Guide: How to Grow Bee Balm in Your Garden

Bee balm––also known as monarda plant, bergamot, horsemint, or Oswego tea––is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. This perennial flowering herb is native to prairie and woodland areas of North America. Bee balm has square stems that appear in shades of red, lavender, white, pink, or purple, and its leaves are often blue-green.

Bee balm varieties range in size from ten inches to 4 feet in height and eight inches to three feet in width. Here are five of the most popular types:

1. 1. Jacob Cline: Also known as Monarda didyma or scarlet beebalm, Jacob Cline is one of the most common bee balm varieties. Its square stalks bloom vivid red, tubular flowers that rest on whorls of bracts. It is a popular choice among gardeners because it is mildew resistant. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to this type of bee balm.
2. 2. Wild bergamot: Blooming in summer and fall, wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower bee balm with purple edible flowers. Wild bergamot attracts all types of pollinators.
3. 3. Lemon bergamot: Known for its lemon scent and flavor, the aromatic lemon bergamot blooms from mid-summer into the fall. It is generally 12 to 30 inches tall and often used in tea or potpourri.
4. 4. Leading Lady Plum: Leading Lady Plum bee balm blooms earlier in the year than any other type of bee balm, with flowers appearing in early spring. It stands at 10 to 14 inches tall and is notable for its magenta flowers.
5. 5. Leading Lady Lilac: Due to its compact flowers, Leading Lady Lilac bee balm is ideal for small gardens. It spreads quickly and grows up to 14 inches in height. Its tubular petals are light purple with dark purple spots.

This perennial favorite will bring life to any herb garden. Follow these tips for growing and maintaining bee balm plants:

1. 1. Plant after the last spring frost. If you are growing bee balm from seeds, sow them after the final frost of the year to avoid frost damage. The seeds should be covered with soil and kept moist until seedlings appear, which typically takes approximately 30 days.
2. 2. Choose a location with full sun. While it will grow in partial shade, bee balm blooms best when planted in full sun, which also helps prevent disease.
3. 3. Plant in well-draining soil. Bee balm should be planted in well-draining, moist soil. While bee balm will grow in most soils, it does best in humus-rich soil with neutral or acidic pH.
4. 4. Make space for proper air circulation. When transplanting bee balm from a container, make sure the hole you dig is slightly bigger than the root ball. Tease the roots before placing the plant in the ground, and leave about two feet of space between bee balm plants to allow for good air circulation. Thoroughly water bee balm immediately after planting.
5. 5. Water bee balm twice a week. When the weather is hot, it’s best to water bee balm twice a week. Mulching the area with organic matter such as shredded leaves will help the soil retain moisture. Avoid overhead watering, as it can lead to fungal disease.
6. 6. Deadhead the flowers. If bee balm plants are too crowded, powdery mildew can appear on foliage and flower buds and cause leaf dropping. If you notice faded blooms on your plant, deadhead the flower heads to encourage reblooming and new growth in late summer.

The leaves of bee balm are often used for potpourri, herbal teas, and as a garnish for salads. Bee balm leaves have high concentrations of thymol, a compound with antiseptic properties that can be used as a mosquito repellent.

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