Types Of Bee Balm

Types of bee balm

Bee balm, also known as Monarda (Monarda spp.), is a well-known flower and herb throughout North America. Its colorful blooms are like a slow-motion, multi-month fireworks display that captures the attention of people, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds each summer.

Is bergamot same as bee balm?

Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.

Does bee balm spread?

Bee balms spread rapidly via underground stems or rhizomes. In addition, the centers of the clumps often die out within a few years. To control their spread and rejuvenate plants, it's advisable to dig and divide bee balms every 2 to 3 years. Early spring is the best time to dig and divide bee balms.

Are there different colors of bee balm?

About Bee Balm Flower colors include white, pink, red, lavender, and purple. In the garden, its most frequent visitors are hummingbirds, bees,and butterflies because they have the long tongues required to reach the tubular flowers' nectar.

Do you cut back bee balm in the fall?

Bee balm spread very easily from season to season. As a general rule, cut the plant back after the first frost in the fall. Waiting until fall will allow the plant to drop it's seeds for the next growing season.

Should you deadhead bee balm?

Bee balm (Monarda) begin to bloom in July and will continue to bloom throughout late summer. To encourage bountiful clusters of flowers, you will want to deadhead the plant throughout its entire bloom time. As the flowers begin to wilt and fade, cut just above the next flower bud.

Why is bergamot not edible?

The flesh tastes the same way it smells: tart, acidic, highly fragrant, and spicy. But unlike other citrus fruits, it cannot be eaten fresh. Bergamot oranges are sour, despite the fact that the fruit is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, and A.

What bugs does bee balm keep away?

Common Pests or Diseases on Bee Balm:

Aphids.
Whiteflies.
Spider mites.
Stalk borers.
Thrips.

Is bee balm used in Earl Grey tea?

The leaf of bee balm is used as an infusion in tea to help in the relief of insomnia, menstrual pain, nausea, and flatulence. A fresh leaf of bee balm infused with China tea will produce a flavor of Earl Grey Tea. Steam inhalation of the herb bee balm is helpful for sore throats and catarrh.

Does bee balm repel mosquitoes?

Beloved for its ability to beckon bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, bee balm (Monarda) also earns rave reviews for its mosquito-repelling qualities.

Will bee balm rebloom if you cut it back?

"Cut it back hard and it will come back strong," Pollak says. Bee balm or bergamot (Monarda), another member of the indomitable mint family, also responds to deadheading. If you cut back perennial salvias such as 'May Night' (Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht') after their first May bloom, they will likely rebloom in July.

Do hummingbirds like bee balm?

Bee Balm (Monarda) As its name suggests, this perennial plant attracts bees, but it's also a hummingbird magnet.

Why did my bee balm change color?

Although you can start new plants from seeds that you harvest yourself, the color of the flower blooms can change because bee balm has a tendency to revert back to its wild form.

What can I plant next to bee balm?

Bee balm is a perfect cottage garden plant. I like to let it ramble though a perennial flower border next to tall garden phlox, rudbeckia, roses, and peonies. It looks best when allowed to grow in groups to create a vivid color statement.

Should bee balm be planted in sun or shade?

Light: Bee balm does best in full sun. Though it will grow in part shade, it tends to stretch and become leggy over time. Soil: Bee balm does best in evenly moist soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate lighter soil, but richer soil will encourage taller, stronger specimens.

How do I prepare bee balm for winter?

Pruning bee balm in mid-autumn helps get the plant ready for winter. Also in mid-autumn add a 1” inch layer of mulch around the roots. When spring arrives, and the ground warms up, remove the mulch to get plants ready for new spring growth.

Will bee balm reseed itself?

Like other herbs in the mint family, bee balm is considered to be a bit invasive. It will easily self-sow and also spreads by underground rhizomes. If you give it plenty of room in your garden, you will be rewarded with a beautiful display of bright blooms each year.

How deep should bee balm be planted?

Although bee balm should be planted in rich soil in a sunny area, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the heat of the summer. As soon as the danger of frost has passed, plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and 12 inches apart if planting in the garden. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds sprout.

Can you overwater bee balm?

Bee balm is drought tolerant, but needs a regular watering schedule. It is best to keep the soil evenly moist, yet not too wet. Avoid overwatering as it could result in root rot. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings and not get soggy.

Why did my bee balm only bloom once?

The most common problem is a lack of sun. Bee balm thrives in full sun, and most varieties need six to eight hours of sunlight per day in order to bloom well. Bee balm that doesn't get enough sunlight is also often leggy looking. If your bee balm is showing both of these symptoms, try relocating it to a sunnier spot.