When to Plant Bee Balm
- Bee balm can be planted in the spring or in the fall.
- Spring is the best time to divide existing plants and transplant.
Does bee balm come back every year?
Bee balm is a hardy perennial plant that requires little care. Whether planted in a garden area or in a container, it will return each season and will have likely spread. A few easy steps will prepare the plant for the cold weather. Cut the plant to the ground in mid-autumn.
Where should bee balm be planted?
Bee balm plants prefer moist, rich soil, and a sunny location. Bee balm will tolerate shade, particularly in hot-summer areas. Plant it in any protected spot that would benefit from a bright shot of color. Most varieties of the bee balm plant are between 2 1/2 feet to 4 feet (76 cm.
Does bee balm spread?
Bee balms spread rapidly via underground stems or rhizomes. In addition, the centers of the clumps often die out within a few years. To control their spread and rejuvenate plants, it's advisable to dig and divide bee balms every 2 to 3 years. Early spring is the best time to dig and divide bee balms.
How fast does bee balm grow?
Quick Reference Growing GuidePlant Type:Herbaceous perennialRed, pink, light to dark purpleTime to Maturity:110-120 daysWell-drainingSpacing:18-24 inchesBees, butterflies, hummingbirdsPlanting Depth:1/8 inch (seeds)Summer phlox, basil, dill, thyme, dayliliesHeight:3-5 feetTea, potpourri, cut flowers7 more rows•Nov 18, 2019
Does bee balm multiply?
Bee balm propagates by rhizomes, or runners, that spread under the ground to produce new shoots. As these shoots multiply, the mother plant in the center will eventually die off over the course of a couple years.
What is a good companion plant for bee balm?
6 Bee Balm Companion PlantsSquash. Squash plants are herbaceous annuals with trailing vines or bushy appearances. ... Tomatoes. The tomato plant is typically grown as a perennial plant in the tropics, although it is mostly planted as an annual plant elsewhere. ... Black-eyed Susans. ... Phlox. ... Roses. ... Peonies.
Does bee balm repel mosquitoes?
Bee Balm. Beloved for its ability to beckon bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, bee balm (Monarda) also earns rave reviews for its mosquito-repelling qualities.
What animal eats bee balm?
But birds don't only enjoy Bee Balm in summer. The nutlet attracts finches, sparrows, juncos, redpolls, among other species.
Is bee balm poisonous to dogs?
Bee Balm. Generally famous for their great smell and bright colors, these flowers can be a great option for your garden. Your dog can easily sniff or play with them because they are completely safe.
Does bee balm attract wasps?
Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
Do hummingbirds like bee balm?
Bee Balm For a surefire way to attract hummingbirds with flowers, grow bee balm. This beauty grows up to 4 feet tall in full sun and starts flowering in midsummer. You can even find several varieties on the market that are resistant to mildew.
What month does bee balm bloom?
Bee balm (Monarda) begin to bloom in July and will continue to bloom throughout late summer. To encourage bountiful clusters of flowers, you will want to deadhead the plant throughout its entire bloom time.
Do hummingbirds like bee balm?
Bee Balm For a surefire way to attract hummingbirds with flowers, grow bee balm. This beauty grows up to 4 feet tall in full sun and starts flowering in midsummer. You can even find several varieties on the market that are resistant to mildew.
Can bee balm survive a freeze?
Hardiness – The bee balm is tolerant of both cold and warm climates, and resists cold temperatures down to -20F.
Is bee balm toxic to dogs?
Bee Balm. Generally famous for their great smell and bright colors, these flowers can be a great option for your garden. Your dog can easily sniff or play with them because they are completely safe.
Can bee balm survive frost?
Many tough perennials, like this bee balm, can withstand an occasional unexpected frost without too much damage.
How to encourage bee balm to bloom?
Since these plants are prolific bloomers, continually cut and deadhead the flowers to encourage the plant to produce more. Planting bee balm in full sun will also encourage more blooming.
How to propagate bee balm?
Bee balm can be propagated through division and cuttings. The plant’s prolific nature makes division the easiest propagation method. This will also help to keep the plant healthy and full and should be done every few years. To do this, you will need a shovel, a pair of garden snips, compost or fertilizer, and gloves. Then follow the instructions below, depending on the propagation method you choose.
Why is my bee balm turning brown?
This fungal disease is common among bee balms and can cause brown, wilted foliage that is covered in a gray powder. It often appears when there is high humidity and poor air circulation. To prevent this, be sure to keep plants well ventilated by pruning, dividing, and weeding. Water at ground level to avoid getting the foliage wet. If powdery mildew appears, treat it with a fungicide or other home remedy. Be sure to remove any fallen foliage. In fall, prune away all the affected stems and discard them.
Why is my bee balm not blooming?
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including too much humidity, not enough sunlight, over-fertilizing, or old age. If the plant is experiencing too much humidity, be sure to provide it with the best airflow possible. It may not require as much water. If it is growing in a shady location, try moving it to a sunnier location. If it is over-fertilized, cut back on fertilizer until more blooms appear. If old age is causing the plant to fade out, divide the plant to lengthen its life and encourage thick, new growth.
What is bee balm good for?
As suggested by its name, bee balm plants are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Even when the plant is not flowering, the seed heads will attract birds throughout the winter. Their vibrant flower heads are full of tubular petals that appear in pink, purple, red, and white varieties.
Is bee balm hardy?
Bee balms are very hardy, handling very cold and very hot temperatures in USDA growing zones 3 to 9. However, these plants do not fare well in high humidity conditions, as this can increase the incidence of powdery mildew.
Can bee balm be grown in shade?
Full sunlight is best for bee balm plants. They can be grown in parti al shade, particularly in areas with intense summer heat. However, plants grown in partial shade may develop a leggy, stretched look and will not flower as vigorously.
How long does it take for bee balm to germinate?
If you’re concerned that your bee balm might be disturbed during its long germination period outside, start it indoors four to six weeks before the last annual frost date in your area. Store the seed in the refrigerator for about two weeks until you’re ready to start your bee balm in flats of sterile potting medium.
How long do bee balms live in a bed?
Bee balms are perennials and will live in this bed for years. Cover seeds with about 1/8 inch of soil -- or twice the depth of the seeds’ diameters. Seeds should begin appearing in 14 to 21 days. Thin plants to 8 to 12 inches apart when they begin to grow their true leaves.
What is bee balm?
Bee balm’s distinctive spiky blooms draw not only bees, but hummingbirds and butterflies. Several species of monarda are known as bee balm, growing across North America from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 to 10. They range from rather raggedy native cultivars to almost civilized hybrids that fill ...
When does bee balm bloom?
Bee balm flowers in pink, red and white and bloom in early to late summer. You can find compact or miniature versions, as well as big, rangy, bold varieties.
How to harvest bee balm?
It’s best to pick in the morning before the sun hits the plant. Both the flowers and leaves can be used in lemonade, salads, and iced tea. Get creative and use it to make bread or flavored vinegar.
How to tell if bee balm is wilting?
The larvae of the stalk borer drill into the stalk of plants, at which point you’ll notice your bee balm will start to wilt. If you see a small hole on the stalk with yellowing edges, break the stalk off and see if there are larvae inside. If you see any, throw the plant in the bin.
How to get rid of spider mites on bee balm?
If you have this pest, you’ll see little yellow holes where the spider mite has sucked out the fluid of the bee balm. You may also see fine webbing on the leaves and flowers. Blast mites off the plant with a spray of water and then use regular applications of neem oil or insecticidal soap.
What to do if bee balm leaves turn grey?
If you live in a humid area, ensure you have plenty of airflow between each plant. Also, give your bee balm a regular spray of neem oil. Ensure you water the soil, not the plants, to prevent mildew.
What is the flavor of bee balm?
With a similar flavor to earl grey tea, bee balm can be peppery or have a light citrus flavor depending on the variety and where you grow it.
Is bee balm a perennial?
Bee balm is a perennial, so it will be in the spot you plant it in for years to come. Make sure to select the right location to give your plants a good start.
