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Hardy Perennials

Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

Double Decker Bee Balm
Double Decker sport in an old bee balm bed

Bee Balm is a heavy feeder and a good organic mulch will help keep it going. I'm lucky and have a horse stable nearby that makes mountains of old bedding consisting of small wood chips/shavings. Drive by and you will probably spot me tunneling into the composted center.

If you have enough space I recommend planting a huge bed and setting up a sitting area. Hummingbirds will come from far and wide and you can sit right next to them.

Bee Balm has a tendency to die off in the original spot planted. It's best to disturb the soil and let it grow back in. Don't worry about chopping up the roots they seem to like it. Beside the rhizomes from outside that spot will quickly move in,


Bee Balm
Requirements:

Soil Type - well drained
Soil pH - Neutral
Water - Moist to occasionally dry
Light - Full sun to partial shade

   Characteristics:

Height - up to 4 ft.
Flower colors - red, white, pink, purple
Time of Bloom - July - August
Propagation - Division
Transplants - Easy
Wild Bergamot    Bee Balm
  • Native wildflower hybridized for garden use
  • An aggressive spreader, rhizomes can reach over a foot in a season
  • Bee Balm is unsurpassed in it's ability to attract humming birds
  • Wild Bergamot is a closely related wildflower common in the area
Bee Balm