Bee Balm

Common Names

Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Horsemint, Scarlet Beebalm

Summary

Monarda didyma, commonly known as bee balm, is an herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America. It forms a clump with square stems and opposite aromatic leaves, reaching about 2–4 feet tall, with a minty scent when leaves are crushed. From mid to late summer, showy two-lipped tubular flowers appear in dense globe-like heads, typically red but also pink, lavender, purple, or white, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Grown best in full sun to partial shade, it prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil and tolerates clay; space plants about 60–75 cm apart to ensure air circulation and reduce mildew. It spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies and should be divided every 2–3 years; deadhead to prolong bloom. In landscapes, it suits borders, cottage and pollinator gardens, containers, and cut-flower arrangements; leaves and flowers are edible and have historic herb uses; deer- and rabbit-resistant. Hardiness zones 4–9.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

24-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun, Partial Shade, and Full Shade, with best growth from Full Sun to Full Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich loam with high organic matter and pH 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Red, Pink, Purple, White, Lavender/Blue

Bloom Time

Summer (June to September)

Foliage Color

Green (mid- to dark-green)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing, spreads rapidly via underground stolons and rhizomes.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, birds