How to Care for Bee Balm

An aromatic herbaceous perennial that is a member of the mint family, bee balm is known as Monarda didyma, bergamot and Oswego tea. The common name of bee balm refers to the flower's ability to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Suitable for USDA zones 4 to 9, it is easy to care for, grows up to 36 inches tall with tubular flowers in red, pink, white or purple.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost or decayed manure
• Bee balm plants
• Water
• Pruning shears
• Plant markers (optional)
• Fungicide
• Complete plant food
• Diatomaceous earth

Instructions

1. Select the site for the bee balm. It grows in either full sun or partial shade, but will flower better if planted in open areas. It needs well-drained soil that retains moisture. Several weeks before planting, dig up the site, and mix in generous amounts of well-rotted compost or manure.

2. Plant bee balm in the fall or early spring. Dig a hole that is larger than the root ball. Turn the plant's container over, and remove it. Use your fingers to carefully loosen the roots. Place the bee balm in the hole. Fill half-way with soil, and add water to settle the soil around the roots. Finish filling the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to remove the air bubbles. Water to settle the soil. Space bee balm 8 to 12 inches apart. Use plant markers to identify the location of the flower in the winter.

3. Water bee balm regularly and deeply, but be careful not to allow the flower to remain wet. This plant is susceptible to powdery mildew; Michigan Bulb recommends keeping all dead leaves, and to use a fungicide before the mildew becomes a problem. Snails are attracted to bee balm; spread Diatomaceous earth around the plant. Feed with a complete plant food in the spring; Bayer Advanced All in One Rose and Flower Care is a systemic plant food, pesticide and fungicide that is applied once a month.

4. Watch for the bee balm to bloom, beginning in July, and continuing through August. Prune off spent flowers and leaves. Bee balm makes a good cut flower, and the scented leaves can be used for potpourri. Cut the plants back to the ground once the growth begins to die.

5. Propagate by dividing clumps at least every 2 to 3 years. Lift and divide established flowers in the spring before they begin to grow. Replant the younger, vigorous outer growth 8 to 12 inches apart.

References

• Michigan Bulb

Resources

• Bayer Advanced