Monarda (Bee Balm) Growth & Care Guide
Discover the ultimate guide to cultivating Monarda, also known as Bee Balm! With its distinctive, firework-like blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, Monarda brings a splash of summer color to borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife plantings. Looking to attract pollinators while adding bold, vibrant color to your garden?
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By: Reggie Meehan (9/25/2025)
Introduction to Monarda (Bee Balm)
Monarda, commonly called Bee Balm, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. Known for its showy, tubular flowers and aromatic leaves, this plant is a favorite among gardeners for its ability to attract pollinators and add vibrant colors to landscapes. Bee Balm comes in a range of colors, including blue/lavender, red, pink, purple, and white, and is often used in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its aromatic leaves are also a natural deterrent for deer, making it a practical choice for areas prone to wildlife grazing. The nectar-rich flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds, making it one of the top choices for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
In addition to its ornamental value, Bee Balm is cherished for its ecological benefits and medicinal history. Unfortunately, this guide covers only ornamental Bee Balm.
The plant prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil, though it can tolerate short periods of drought once established. To keep plants vigorous and reduce the risk of powdery mildew, it’s best to ensure good air circulation and divide clumps every few years.
I first planted Jacob Cline Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) years ago and revelled in the hummingbirds that flocked to it. Its vivid blooms quickly became a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while its resilience made it one of my favorite plants for a flourishing summer garden.
Characteristics of Monarda
Bee Balm is easily recognizable by its vibrant, tubular flowers that form clusters atop tall, sturdy stems. The blooms are not only stunning but can be highly fragrant, adding both visual and olfactory appeal to any garden. As its name suggests, Bee Balm is a favorite among bees. Additionally, butterflies and hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich flowers, making it an excellent plant for supporting local ecosystems.
Size and Growth Habit
Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, typically reaches a height of 1–4 feet, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Its upright growth habit, combined with a spreading nature, makes it an excellent choice for creating large, eye-catching clusters in garden beds. Bee Balm is known for its vigorous growth and ability to fill in gaps in landscaping, making it a favorite for gardeners looking to establish lush, colorful displays quickly.
This plant's spreading rhizomes allow it to naturalize over time, providing a reliable and dynamic presence in perennial gardens. Its height and dense growth make it an ideal backdrop for shorter plants or a striking centerpiece in mixed borders. Bee Balm also attracts pollinators, adding movement and life to the garden. Proper spacing is essential, as its rapid growth can lead to overcrowding if not managed.
Leaves and Flowers
Bee Balm’s leaves are oval, serrated, and emit a highly aromatic fragrance when crushed, often described as minty or citrusy. This soft green foliage not only enhances the plant's ornamental appeal but also provides a delightful sensory experience in the garden. The leaves create a beautiful contrast to the plant's vibrant blooms, ensuring year-round interest even before the flowers appear.
Monarda flowers bloom from mid to late summer in a spectacular display. Their shaggy, tubular petals burst outward in a tousled crown, often likened to fireworks or a punky hairdo or a mop-top. Their bright, showy colors range from fiery reds and hot pinks to calming purples, lavender blues and whites, depending on the variety, adding a splash of color to any landscape. These nectar-rich blooms are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making Bee Balm a staple in pollinator-friendly gardens. The combination of aromatic foliage and striking flowers makes it a versatile and cherished plant in many settings.
Is Bee Balm Annual or Perennial?
Bee Balm is a hardy perennial that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, including Zone 8A, where it grows robustly year after year. Its ability to return reliably each season makes it a dependable choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting beauty in their landscapes. To maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding, the plant’s clumps may need to be divided every few years, which also encourages healthier growth and more prolific blooming.
In colder regions, Bee Balm benefits from a layer of mulch during the winter months to protect its roots from freezing temperatures. Despite its resilience, providing adequate care and occasional maintenance ensures that Bee Balm continues to thrive and flourish in a variety of climates. Its perennial nature, combined with its ease of care, makes it a beloved plant in gardens across a broad geographic range.
Best Varieties of Monarda (Bee Balm) Tested
Best Variety #1: Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’
Jacob Cline is number one because it has withstood decades of use and still comes up as the number one most searched Monarda, searched 3 times more than its nearest competitor. Standing 3-5 feet tall, this monarda is a mega-attractor for hummingbirds. There are no trial data, but there need not be when you are number 1.
Best Variety #2: Monarda Balmy Series
This compact variety by Darwin Perennials is the second most popular variety still commercially propagated. At 10-12 inches high, this Monarda is easy to grow in containers. There are only 4 colors (lilac, pink, purple, and rose), but each and every one of them has a 5.0 trial rating (Raker, 2021). Compact and perfect for smaller gardens. Love, luv, lurv the Balmy Purple.
Best Variety #3: Pardon My Series
The Pardon My Series by Proven Winners has three varieties with trial rankings of 5.0 (Cerise, Lavender & Rose). There are others in this series that did not rank above 4.0 or have not yet been ranked. But, you can’t argue with a 5.0 ranking.
There are several other Monarda series that deserve mention. The early-blooming Leading Lady series by Proven Winners has good rankings for Amethyst (4.8, Raker 2021), Pink (4.0, Raker 2021), and Razzberry (5.0, Raker 2021). There are other varieties that did not rank above 4.0 and/or have not been ranked yet. This series is early to bloom and averages less than 15 inches in height.
Darwin Perennials Bee-Mine series includes Bee Mine Lavender (5.0, Raker 2021), Bee Mine Pink (4.5, Raker 2021), Bee Mine Red (4.6 Raker 2021) and Bee MIne Purple (4.8, Raker 2025). With garden heights to 18 inches, this medium-height level series is a good choice.
How To Grow & Care For Monarda
Monarda is a vibrant perennial cherished for its showy blooms and ability to attract pollinators. This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, needing regular watering to maintain its vibrant blooms. Proper pruning, spacing, and occasional fertilization ensure healthy growth, making it an easy and beautiful addition to any garden.
Planting Bee Balm
To ensure healthy growth, choose a sunny location with good air circulation, which helps prevent common issues like powdery mildew. Bee Balm thrives in well-spaced conditions, so plant them 18–24 inches apart to allow for their natural spreading habit. The best time to plant is in spring or early fall, giving the roots time to establish before extreme temperatures set in. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Regular care during establishment ensures robust growth and a vibrant display in future seasons.
Sunlight Requirements
Bee Balm performs best in full sun, where it receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In regions with hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress and keep the foliage from wilting. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may lead to fewer blooms and reduced vigor. Proper sunlight exposure is key to maximizing Bee Balm’s lush foliage and prolific flowering.
Soil Requirements
This plant thrives in rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming soggy. Incorporating compost or organic matter into the soil improves fertility and supports healthy growth. Avoid planting Bee Balm in overly dry or compacted soils, as these conditions can hinder root development and reduce blooming. Ensuring well-prepared soil creates an ideal foundation for a thriving, long-lasting plant.
Watering Needs
Bee Balm requires consistent moisture, especially during periods of drought or extended heat. Water regularly to ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, reducing the need for frequent watering. Monitoring the soil's condition is essential, as both overwatering and underwatering can stress Monarda
Fertilizer Needs
Feeding Bee Balm with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring provides the nutrients needed for healthy foliage and abundant blooms. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can encourage weak, leggy growth and reduce flowering. A light application of compost or organic amendments throughout the growing season can further enhance the plant’s vigor without overloading it with nutrients.
Pruning & Deadheading
To prolong the blooming period, remove spent flowers (deadheading) regularly. This encourages the plant to redirect energy into producing new blooms rather than setting seeds. At the end of the growing season, cut the plants back to the ground in late fall. This practice prevents pests and diseases from overwintering and prepares the plant for a fresh start in spring.
Overwintering
In colder climates, applying a layer of mulch around the base of Bee Balm in late fall helps insulate the roots and protect them from frost. In milder zones, the plant typically survives winter without additional care. Whether you mulch or not, cutting back the plant in fall reduces the risk of overwintering pests and ensures a clean slate for the next growing season.
Common Pests
Bee Balm may occasionally face issues with aphids, spider mites, or leafhoppers. Aphids can be removed with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so increasing humidity or applying neem oil can keep them in check. Leafhoppers can be managed with organic insecticides if they become problematic.
Common Diseases
Powdery mildew is one of the most common diseases affecting Bee Balm, often caused by poor air circulation or overhead watering. To prevent it, ensure plants are well-spaced and water at the base rather than from above.
In the fall, as dew forms on leaves, powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot are also problems; removing infected leaves and applying fungicides as needed can help manage these issues. Choosing disease-resistant varieties and maintaining proper care are the best defenses against common diseases but be prepared … even with the best care and with choosing the most resistant strains, powdery mildew will likely plague your Monarda in the fall.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is planting Bee Balm in poorly drained soil, which can lead to root rot and decline. Overcrowding is another frequent issue, as it increases the likelihood of powdery mildew and reduces overall plant health. Neglecting deadheading is also problematic, as it diminishes the plant’s flowering potential and aesthetic appeal. Paying attention to these factors can greatly improve the success of growing Bee Balm.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe Bee Balm only attracts bees, but its nectar-rich blooms also draw butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Another misconception is that Bee Balm is difficult to grow, but with proper sunlight, soil, and watering, it is a hardy perennial. Some gardeners worry it is invasive, but its spreading habit is easily controlled with regular division, making it a manageable and rewarding choice for any garden. Finally, monarda grown in small pots often droop and spill but this is caused by the failure of the root system to support the plant. Once planted in moist, well draining soil, this plant will remain upright.
Using Monarda in the Garden
Monarda is a versatile addition to any garden, offering both visual appeal and ecological benefits. Its vibrant, spiky blooms make it an eye-catching choice for flower beds, borders, and wildflower gardens, where it pairs beautifully with other pollinator-friendly plants like Echinacea and Rudbeckia.
Pollinator Gardens
Bee Balm is a standout plant in pollinator gardens, renowned for its ability to attract a wide variety of beneficial insects and birds. Its brightly colored, nectar-rich blooms serve as an essential resource for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting these vital species throughout the summer months. The tubular shape of its flowers is particularly well-suited for long-tongued pollinators, making it a favorite for species like bumblebees and hummingbirds.
Beyond its ecological benefits, the constant flurry of activity around Bee Balm adds a dynamic and lively element to the garden. Planting it in clusters enhances its visual impact and increases its appeal to pollinators, creating a vibrant, buzzing focal point. It pairs well with other nectar-rich plants like milkweed, agastache, and salvia, forming a cohesive and supportive pollinator-friendly landscape.
Perennial Borders
With its bold, colorful flowers and upright growth habit, Bee Balm is a striking addition to mixed perennial borders. Its blooms range in hues from fiery red to soft lavender, creating dramatic contrasts with other popular border plants like Echinacea, Black-eyed Susans, and Coreopsis. The tall, stately stems add vertical interest and help define the structure of a summer garden.
As a mid- to late-summer bloomer, Bee Balm fills the seasonal gap between spring and fall flowers, ensuring the border remains vibrant during the peak of the growing season. Its aromatic foliage also contributes a sensory element, releasing a minty or citrusy scent when brushed or crushed. Bee Balm’s ability to spread and form clumps allows it to establish a significant presence in the border, creating a cohesive and lush display when properly spaced and maintained.
Bee Balm Attracts Pollinators Fast
Looking to grow Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer top-performing Monarda plants known for their vivid, shaggy blooms and irresistible appeal to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With varieties in shades of red, pink, lavender, and white, Bee Balm adds bold color and energy to sunny garden beds and borders. Its fragrant foliage not only deters deer but also makes a lovely addition to herbal teas and bouquets. Sourced from trusted growers and bred for disease resistance and performance, our Monarda plants are reliable, eye-catching, and easy to care for. Add Bee Balm to your garden today and enjoy a burst of pollinator activity and long-lasting summer blooms.