Growing Bee Balm: A Guide for Beginners
What is Bee Balm?
Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial plant. It’s a member of the mint family and is native to North America. Bee balm is known for its vibrant flowers, which come in a variety of colors including red, pink, and purple.
Benefits of Growing Bee Balm
Bee balm is a valuable plant for both humans and wildlife. Its flowers are a magnet for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. In addition, bee balm has medicinal properties and can be used to make tea that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits.
How to Grow Bee Balm
Growing bee balm is easy, even for beginners. Here are the steps:
Choosing a Location
Bee balm prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It needs moist but well-drained soil.
Planting
When planting bee balm, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Gently loosen the roots before planting. Space the plants about 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent powdery mildew.
Watering
Water bee balm regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture.
Fertilizing
Bee balm does not need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
Pruning
There are two main times to prune bee balm: in the fall and in late May. In the fall, cut the stems all the way down to the ground. In late May, cut the plant back by about a third. This will help the plant to be more compact and branching.
Propagating Bee Balm
Bee balm can be propagated by division, seed, or cuttings. Division is the easiest method. Simply dig up the plant in the spring and divide the roots into smaller sections. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds indoors in mid-spring and transplant them outside once the risk of frost has passed. To propagate by cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy stem in spring, remove the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist compost.
Pests and Diseases
Bee balm is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to aphids, thrips, and powdery mildew. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and ensure that the plants have good air circulation.
Varieties of Bee Balm
There are many different varieties of bee balm available. Some of the most popular include:
- Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’: A popular variety with bright red flowers.
- Monarda ‘Prärienacht’: This variety has deep-purple flowers and dark foliage.
- Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’: Has large, bright red flowers and a strong, minty fragrance.
- Monarda ‘Squaw’: An attractive, pink-flowered variety.
- Monarda ‘Bubblegum Blast’: A compact variety with bright-pink flowers and aromatic dark-green foliage.
Where to Buy Bee Balm
Bee balm can be purchased at most garden centers and nurseries. It can also be purchased online from a variety of retailers.
Conclusion
Bee balm is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is a valuable addition to any garden. Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators, and it has a variety of medicinal uses. With a little care, bee balm will thrive in your garden for years to come.
