Bee Balm (Monarda): Attract pollinators to your garden

As urban landscapes expand, green spaces shrink, leaving pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds struggling to find food. With so many plants that attract these creatures, one excellent plant to consider is Bee Balm (Monarda). It has pretty flowers and a pleasant aroma, feeding a host of beneficial insects and birds.

But bee balm is not only beautiful in a garden; it also keeps the garden healthy. It is a strong, easy-to-grow plant with rich red, pink, purple, and white flowers. This edible plant is also helpful in cooking and natural medicine. Growcycle is a B2B marketplace offering thousands of seeds and live plants that attract pollinators, diversifying the garden's ecosystem. 

History and Origin

Native to North America, Bee Balm (Monarda) has long been consumed by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. It flourishes in meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks throughout the United States and Canada.

Bee Balm has been used by native American tribes, Oswego, Cherokee, and Blackfoot, for medicinal purposes. The leaves were steeped into teas to treat colds, sore throats, and digestive problems. Due to its antiseptic qualities, it was also used topically for wounds and infections. The Oswego also used it so much for tea that the plant is sometimes known as “Oswego tea.”

Bee Balm was named Monarda after Nicolás Monardes, a 16th-century Spanish physician and botanist who wrote about New World medicinal plants, a rare and delicate topic among the scholars of the Old World. Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus officially classified the genus in the 18th century. Bee balm is commonly grown in gardens because it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Botanical Description

Common Beebalm (Monarda) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is well-known for its tubular flowers and fragrant foliage and is a favorite of gardeners and pollinators alike.

1. Growth Habit

• Bee Balm is a notorious upright, clump-forming perennial that most often grows to 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm).
• It propagates through rhizomes (subterranean stems), creating dense masses over time.

2. Leaves

• The leaves are lance-shaped, serrated along the edges, and opposite.
• They are medium to dark green with a reddish cast at times.
• When crushed, the leaves erupt with a potent, aromatic smell reminiscent of oregano or mint.

3. Flowers

• The flowers lie in tubular clusters that are joined densely and round at the base of the stems.
• Colors include red, pink, purple, and white, and vary by species and cultivar.
• Blooming in the peak summer months, it flowers for weeks.
• The distinctive shape and nectar-filled flowers appeal to bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

4. Stems

• The mint family is characterized by square-shaped stems, which are robust and slightly hairy.
• As the plant grows, it can become woody at the base.

5. Root System

• Bee Balm is a shallow, fibrous root system that spreads with rhizomes.
• It can form huge colonies if left unaccompanied.

6. Fruit and Seeds

• After blooming, Bee Balm forms small nutlet seeds in the shriveled, dried-up flowers that are released.
• Gardeners can harvest them, and the seeds can be planted so that they grow again.

7. Fragrance and Essential Oils

• Bee Balm contains many essential oils with thymol content that offer antibacterial properties.
• Sometimes called wild bergamot, the plant has a scent somewhere between oregano, mint, and bergamot.

Ecological Benefits of Bee Balm

We can find native plants to grow in our yards, such as Bee Balm, that will help to support pollinators and the environment. Attracting beneficial insects and birds is essential for healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.

1. Attracting Pollinators

Bee Balm can produce enough amounts of nectar and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Bees (such as honeybees and native bumblebees) rely on Bee Balm as a food source, serving to increase those populations..
• The plant's bright, tubular flowers attract swallowtails, monarchs, and other butterflies.
• Specific species, like ruby-throated hummingbirds, are drawn to the nectar flower coats of Bee Balm, contributing to cross-pollination. 

Planting Bee Balm allows gardeners to provide a habitat that supports pollinators at all times of the growing season.

2. Role in Promoting Garden Biodiversity

Bee Balm can attracts various insects, birds, and small mammals. The plant’s blossoms and foliage offer food and habitat for beneficial insects, including ladybugs and predatory wasps that assist in controlling garden pests.

Bee Balm has a strong scent and contains essential oils that naturally repel harmful bugs and help reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Used with other native plants, it helps balance to a home garden and landscape ecosystem.

3. Importance of Pollinators to Local Ecosystems

Pollinators have the key to plant reproduction and food production. Many fruits, vegetables, and flowers would not exist without them. Bee balm draws attention of bees and butterflies, increasing the pollination rates for nearby plants and their reaping and health.

When pollinators flourish, the seeds they carry are dispersed, contributing to local ecosystems and aiding to maintain plant diversity. Bee Balm provides Sugar Water for the Sugar Bees and has a naturally low sugar content.

4. Environmental Impact of Pollinator-Friendly Gardening

Bee Balm helps eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the garden, resulting in a better environment. When leaves, stems, and other plant parts fall down, they add organic matter to the soil, increasing its health.

Bee Balm captures pollinators and supports climate strength by assisting plants to reproduce. Urban, suburban, and peri-urban ecosystems are essential in conservation to support pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Ideal Growing Conditions to Grow Bee Balm

Bee Balm is a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that occurs under ideal conditions. The right climate, soil, and care keep the plant healthy, lead to more flowers, and help it resist common diseases.

1. Climate

Bee Balm thrives in most North America, particularly USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9. It is adaptable to hot summers and cold winters but may require a layer of mulch for protection in the colder areas. The plant likes normal to warm weather, but over heat and humidity can lead to fungal issues, such as powdery mildew.

2. Light Requirements

Keep Bee Balm in full sun to thrive. It grows best in full sun or at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In partial shade (where it receives 4-6 hours of sunlight each day), it can still grow but will not flower as profusely. The plant will not flower and will be weak in the shade. In extremely hot places, some afternoon shade can help it avoid drying out and stressing.

3. Soil Type

This plant likes nutrient-rich, moist, and loamy soil. Soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Heavy clay soil contains too much water, so it needs to be mixed with compost or sand for better drainage.

Sandy soil, on the other hand, dries out very fastly and should be altered with mulch or organic material to help retain moisture. Bee Balm appreciates damp soil, although it does not do well in waterlogged conditions that lead to root rot. 

4. Site Selection

Plant Bee Balm in a well-ventilated space to reduce the chance of illness. To provide nutrients, soil should be loosened and mixed with compost or natural fertilizers before planting. Don’t plant in low areas where water collects because too much moisture harms the roots.

This plant needs a space of 18 to 24 inches apart, so they can grow easily and can get air between them. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain the soil moist, stop weed growth, and give an even temperature.

Planting Bee Balm: Methods and Best Practices

Bee Balm is a hardy and flexible flower that can be started from seeds or seedlings or by dividing an established plant. If anyone wants this plant to have healthy growth and an abundance of blooms, follow the correct planting steps:

Starting from Seeds

Bee Balm is cost-effective to grow from seed, though germination takes longer. Seeds can also be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost to give them a head start. They need light to germinate, so the seeds should be sown in moist soil and lightly covered.

After a few leaf sets develop on the seedlings, they can be hardened off and transplanted outdoors. Direct seed in the garden is also an option, but growing can take longer.

Transplanting Seedlings

Bee Balm is native to North America and grows well in most home gardens. Plant seedlings when the risk of frost is passed. It's a good idea to significantly ensure they get watered well after transplanting them to help develop root systems.

Division of Established Clumps

Propagating Bee Balm by dividing older plants is the best and fastest method. Older clumps can be dug up and divided every 2–3 years to produce smaller sections of healthy roots and shoots. Replant these divisions immediately in well-prepared soil, watering well. Plant division rejuvenates old plants to ensure the previous ones are not outgrowing them, improving their overall health.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Select a site that is well-drained and has a sunny location.
2. The soil should be loosened and improved by adding compost or other organic material.
3. For seeds: Scatter lightly on the soil surface and press in, but don’t cover completely.
4. For seedlings or divisions, dig a hole slightly larger than the width of the root ball, set the plant in place, and fill it.
5. Fill the hole with soil and tamp lightly to remove air pockets.
6. Water well to help the roots settle in.
7. Add mulch around the plant's base for moisture retention and weed prevention.

Spacing and Depth Considerations

They require adequate spacing for growth and air circulation to prevent fungal disease. Space 18 to 24 inches apart to avoid crowding.

When planting seedlings or divisions, they should be at the same depth they had been growing, with the crown just above the soil surface. Overcrowding can cause mildew and stunted growth; proper spacing creates a healthier, more vibrant plant.

Care Tips for Bee Balm Garden

While Bee Balm is an easy plant to care for, it helps it grow tall and produce many flowers.

1. Watering

Bee Balm should be planted in moist but well-drained soil. Depending on rainfall and soil type, once or twice weekly watering will suffice for deep watering. People might need to water more often in hot or dry conditions to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out.

But, prevent overwatering, as this can result in root rot. Watering the soil at the base of the plant rather than overhead prevents disease conditions, such as powdery mildew.

2. Fertilizing

Light feeding benefits Bee Balm for healthy growth and flowering. Organic alternatives such as compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion release nutrients slowly and improve soil health.

A balanced synthetic fertilizer (10-10-10) may also be used in early spring and midsummer to help boost blooms. Do not fertilize too much as it may cause new leaf growth and few flowers. 

3. Mulching

Spread mulches (2–3 inches thick) at the bottom of the plant to save moisture, stabilize soil temperatures, and prevent weeds. Organic mulches,  shredded bark, straw, and compost are most effective.

Pull weeds regularly so they do not compete for nourishing water. Cleaning the area around Bee Balm and removing weeds minimizes the risk of illness and pests.

4. Pruning

Bee Balm likes to stay tidy, so be pruned regularly, and new growth will come. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages repeat blooming and keeps the plant from bolting prematurely.

Plants can be cut back in late summer to stimulate a second flush of flowers. Old stems should be cut back to ground level in fall or early spring to clear the way for new growth. Increasing air circulation and lowering the risk of disease by thinning over-crowded stems.

Designing a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Plant Bee Balm in clusters for the most pollinators. This makes it simpler for bees and butterflies to locate. Arranging the plants with the tall ones in the back and the short ones in the front creates a natural and inviting habitat.

Gardeners want to include a variety of colors and bloom shapes, so that different pollinators are attracted to the garden. Providing a water source like a shallow dish or birdbath further expands the area for pollinators.

Companion Planting Ideas

Bee Balm also does well with other pollinator-friendly plants that flower at different times, providing a steady source of nectar. Lovely companion plants are:

• Echinacea (Coneflower): Nectar source for butterflies and bees.
• Black-eyed Susan: Adds bright yellow pops and attracts pollinators.
• Lavender: Pimples pests but brings good bugs.
• Milkweed: A must for monarch butterflies.
• Salvia and Phlox: Boost the flowering season and add diversity to the garden.

FAQs

Is Bee Balm good for pollinators?

The Bee Balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds because it is a primary nectar source.

What is Bee Balm good for?

Bee Balm is used in pollinator gardens, herbal remedies, and ornamental landscaping. It is also prized in herbal medicine for its antiseptic and digestive properties.

What is Bee Balm also known as?

It is also called Monarda, Wild Bergamot and Oswego Tea.

The Bottom Line

Bee Balm is a colorful and valuable plant in every garden. Its colorful blooms make nectar attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping sustain pollinators and keep the environment healthy. And, with proper care, good growing conditions, and a thoughtful garden design, it can flourish, bringing beauty and diversity to the flower beds, pots, and pollinator hedges.

Explore Growcycle to get top-notch planting equipment and nutrients for the healthy growth of this perennial.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.