Plant Bee Balm (Monarda) in Your Pollinator Garden

Benefits of Growing Bee Balm

Courtesy Bill Friggle

• Common name: Bee balm
• Botanical name: Monarda
• Zones 3 to 9
• Attracts: Birds, bees, butterflies
• Light needs: Full sun
• Size: 2 to 4 feet
• Soil needs: Moist, well-draining preferred

This flower is a classic, timeless choice for a garden bustling with butterflies, bees, and birds. Native to North America, bee balm (Monarda spp., zones 3 to 9), is widely available in bright colors like red, purple or pink.

Hummingbirds adore the nectar! In fact, it is one of the best colorful flowers to grow for hummingbirds.

This perennial is in the mint family, and gardeners enjoy the minty citrus scent of the leaves, which may be used to make tea. The plant, sometimes known as bergamot, doesn’t generally fare well in humid southern climates, but it thrives everywhere else. It should be grown in part to full sun, in moist, well-draining soil. Space bee balm plants at least 18 inches apart to improve air circulation and reduce risk of fungal disease.

Monarda plants grow 2 to 4 feet tall. They typically show some level of deer resistance, which makes them an excellent option for home gardens.

Courtesy Larry Tipton

Deadheading is an option to keep the plant looking tidy, but if you’re gardening for birds, don’t—songbirds enjoy the seeds that appear after petals are spent.

Bee Balm Cultivars

Courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

For a compact yet vibrant version, plant the Fireball bee balm. Try resistant cultivars such as Colrain Red and Marshall’s Delight if powdery mildew is a concern.

Another slightly smaller option to fit in a more compact space is Pardon My Rose. Nectar-rich, intensely pink blooms make it a midsummer standout in borders and containers. Although 3 feet shorter than other bee balms, the flowers are full size.

Does Bee Balm Attract Bees?

Courtesy Amy Bashforth

Too big to access nectar through the tubular flowers, bumblebees and other beneficial insects create a tiny hole at the base for a sweet reward.

Bee Balm Flowers Not Blooming

Courtesy Elly Collins

“My bee balm bloomed beautifully for several years, but last summer only two or three flowers appeared. How can I bring it back?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Rocklyn Miller.

Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “Start by evaluating any changes in the growing conditions. A reduction in sunlight from new structures or growing trees may cause sun-loving bee balm to produce fewer flowers. If this is the case, move the plants to an area where they receive at least six hours of sunlight to maximize their flowering.

Otherwise, review your fertilization and watering practices. Too much high-nitrogen fertilizer and drought-like conditions can impede blooms. Avoid excess fertilization and be sure to water your plants thoroughly during dry periods.”

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