How to Grow Bee Balm in Containers

Growing bee balm in containers helps prevent its aggressive spread in the garden.

Bee balm is a perennial herb related to mints that spreads rapidly in the garden. To keep it from taking over garden areas, plant it in large containers that can handle the significant plant size -- 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 3 feet or more. The flowers and leaves are traditionally used to make a soothing bee balm tea, and so it might be well-suited to a sunny patio within easy reach of the kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Soil high in organic matter
• Mulch
• Compost

Instructions

1. Purchase a sturdy container at least 12 inches deep and wide. Wider containers give bee balm more room to spread, while deeper containers provide moisture and nutrients to the soil longer. Ensure drainage holes are in the bottom. Bee balm appreciates moist soils, but the roots drown in standing water.

2. Fill the container with soil high in organic material such as finished compost. The organic matter not only provides needed nutrients but holds moisture evenly for longer periods. As a relative of mints, bee balm requires steady access to moisture to thrive.

3. Plant one or more transplants or cuttings of bee balm in the container. Keep the soil evenly moist until the bee balm is established. Grow in partial sun until established. Cuttings may require dappled shade to establish if the seasonal heat is intense. The best times to establish transplants or cuttings of bee balm are during the fall or spring, when temperatures are mildest.

4. Place established containers of bee balm in full sun, preferably in a spot with morning and midday sun and relief from late afternoon heat and sun. Bee balm tolerates part shade, but blooms less with less sunlight.

5. Water bee balm before the soil dries out. Mulch works fine in containers of bee balm to help retain moisture.

6. Divide bee balm every two to three years, either transplanting the other clumps into different pots or into the garden, or discarding them. Retain two or three healthy clumps of bee balm to plant back into the pot, adding finished compost to refresh the spent soil.

References

• "Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs"; Claire Kowalchik, et al.; 1998
• Iowa State University Extension; Edible Flowers; Richard Jauron, et al.
• Iowa State University Extension; Growing Bee Balms in the Home Garden; Richard Jauron