Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Bee Balm Plant for Your Landscape

Bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a showy perennial that is a favorite of gardeners and pollinators alike. These plants feature colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bee balm also has medicinal properties and can be used to make tea or as an herbal remedy for colds and flu.

If you’re considering adding bee balm to your landscape, choosing the right size plant for your garden is important. In this article, we’ll explore different varieties of bee balm and help you select the best one for your space.

Varieties of Bee Balm

There are several varieties of bee balm available, each with unique characteristics. The most common types are:

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild bergamot is a native species that grows 2-4 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. It features lavender flowers that bloom in mid to late summer and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma)

Oswego tea, also known as scarlet bee balm, is a popular cultivar that grows 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has bright red flowers and attracts hummingbirds.

Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora)

Lemon mint, also called lemon bee balm, is a smaller variety that grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has pink or lavender flowers that bloom in mid to late summer and a lemony scent.

Jacob Cline (Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’)

Jacob Cline is a cultivar of Oswego tea that grows 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It has deep red flowers and attracts hummingbirds.

Raspberry Wine (Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine’)

Raspberry wine is another cultivar of Oswego tea that grows 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has deep pink flowers that resemble raspberry wine and attracts hummingbirds.

Choosing the Right Size Plant

When selecting a bee balm plant for your landscape, consider the size of your garden and the surrounding plants. If you have limited space or want to use bee balm as a border plant, choose a smaller variety like lemon mint or wild bergamot. These plants will add color and pollinator habitat without taking up too much room.

If you have more space or want to create a dramatic focal point in your garden, choose a larger variety like Jacob Cline or Raspberry Wine. These plants will stand out among other perennials and attract hummingbirds from afar.

It’s also important to consider the mature size of the plant when selecting a location. Bee balm can spread quickly through rhizomes, so make sure to give it enough space to grow without crowding other plants.

Care Tips

Once you’ve selected the right size bee balm for your garden, it’s important to care for it properly to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms. Here are some care tips:

• Plant in full sun: Bee balm prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Provide well-draining soil: Bee balm prefers soil that is moist but well-draining.
• Water regularly: Water newly planted bee balm regularly until it becomes established. After that, water deeply once a week.
• Fertilize sparingly: Bee balm doesn’t require much fertilizer but can benefit from an organic fertilizer applied in early spring.
• Deadhead spent blooms: Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong blooming.

FAQ

Q: Can I grow bee balm in containers?

A: Yes, bee balm can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size.

Q: Is bee balm invasive?

A: While bee balm can spread through rhizomes, it’s not considered invasive in most areas.

Q: Will deer eat bee balm?

A: Deer generally avoid bee balm due to its strong scent.

Q: Can I use bee balm in cooking?

A: Yes, bee balm leaves can be used to flavor dishes like salads, soups, and teas. However, make sure to identify the correct species before consuming as some varieties may be toxic.