Plant profile – bee balm

Monarda brings a buzz to borders

Is your garden a bit too quiet? Let bee balm stir things up. With shaggy fireworks of scarlet, pink or purple flowers and a refreshing minty scent, Monarda is a hive of activity all summer long. This spirited perennial is loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds — and rightly so. If you’re looking to create a pollinator paradise, this one’s the bee’s knees.

Native to North America, bee balm combines showbiz blooms with old-fashioned dependability. It’s a midsummer head-turner that does just as well in cottage gardens as it does in prairie-style borders. 

This plant is not just a pretty face — it’s a low-maintenance workhorse that keeps the garden buzzing long after the spring stars have faded. Its long flowering period (and bee-magnet status) makes it a real sweet choice.

Whether you’re gardening for wildlife, colour, or just to ‘bee’ a little different, Monarda earns its spot. Give it sun, space, and a little compost, and it will reward you with weeks of lively performance.

Key features

Height: Around 60–120cm (2-4ft) tall
Spread: Up to 45cm (18in) wide. 
Flowers: Mid-to-late summer (July–August)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–6 (with mulch); lift in colder zones.

Best growing conditions

Best at the middle or back of the border, it thrives in full sun but copes with light shade. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid overcrowded or humid spots to prevent powdery mildew. Plant bee balm in spring or fall, spacing 30–45cm apart for airflow. Water during dry spells and mulch to retain moisture. A light feed in spring helps fuel the floral fireworks.

Planting care

Deadhead regularly to prolong bloom time well into September. If mildew appears, trim back affected leaves and consider thinning or moving to a breezier location. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to keep them vigorous. 

Perfect pairings

In herb gardens, it doubles as an edible accent. Monarda pairs beautifully with silver foliage and native meadow perennials. Gorgeous with fellow pollinator-magnets like Echinacea, Rudbeckia, and native grasses. Try a herbaceous patchwork or mix into herb gardens where it provides colour and usefulness. 

Top tip

Bee balm is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae).  When the leaves are crushed, they have an oregano and thyme perfume.

Final word

From its edible leaves to its mop-headed flowers, Bee balm is all the buzz — and for good reason. It’s beautiful, beneficial, and beloved by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Grow it, and your garden will ‘bee’ the envy of the neighbourhood.