There are two common fertilization techniques for bee balm. Plant bee balm in soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.7 for best growth, and I like to add some compost to the bed to give the soil extra nutrient value before planting. The wild forms of bee balm are not at all picky in terms of soil fertility, and are known to grow in anything from sandy soils to potting mix.Ĭommercial cultivars of bee balm like slightly richer soil, likely because of years of propagation in better quality soils. Monardas don’t always like overly wet soil as this can create conditions where powdery mildew thrives, so it’s important that your soil is able to drain off any excess water. It’s less likely that powdery mildew will develop in a dry environment. Sometimes dry conditions are suitable for established stands, too. Moderate humidity in the native range of bee balm plants is perfect, but too much can create conditions where powdery mildew thrives. Be sure that the area you plant bee balm in does not get soggy during the winter months and stays well-draining so you do not drown your perennial varieties! An exception to this is Monarda media, which likes more moisture, but even then it does need room for the roots to breathe as well. Keeping the soil damp but not wet should be adequate. Most varieties of bee balm are reasonably drought-tolerant, but they do much better with regular watering. It’s at this time in winter, the above-ground bee balm plants die back, but they self-seed to return again in spring. While bee balm is a spring and summer bloomer, bee balms themselves are hardy down to -20☏. Some varieties, like Monarda citriodora will last through the intense heat of late summer. In hotter areas of the south or southwestern US, a little partial shade in the afternoon will help the flowering season to last a bit longer and will protect the perennial varieties of bee balm from the scorching heat of the afternoon. Light and Temperatureīee balm is a full sun plant, so in much of the United States, you can plant it in full sun to promote blooming. Let’s look a little closer at what the optimal conditions to grow bee balm are. You’ll want to pick a location with good growing conditions: ample light, well-draining soil, and if you’re growing it to encourage beneficial insects or hummingbirds, you’ll want to place bee balms near your food plants. Bee Balm Careīee balm is easy to grow, as it’s a very forgiving plant. Monarda punctata is a major draw for beneficial bugs, especially beneficial predatory wasps. The fragrant foliage of this bee balm is slender-leaved and bright green in hue. The flower heads are stacks of flowers, each with its own bract, and have a yellow with purple spotted flower color and occasionally purple petal-tips. It seems to favor sandy soils with good drainage. The spotted bee balm can be either an annual or a perennial depending on its environment. Let’s look at a short list of some of the types and the differences between them. But an awful lot of bee balm varieties are naturally-growing wildflowers in the United States. There are many different varieties of the bee balm Monarda species, and about 50 commercial cultivars commonly available. If you’re looking to add color to your herb garden, plant bee balm towards the center or rear of your garden space, as they will be taller than most annual herbs, and try growing thyme, basil, parsley, or chives around it.įor a burst of added color against the purple or red bee balm, try growing daylilies for a bright yellow, or select a nicely contrasting blue by planting agapanthus.Īnd finally, for nice blends of similar-sized plants, growing black-eyed Susans or echinaceas nearby can make your blooms similar in height, but if you want a lower flower beneath these, try a dwarf phlox along the base to add a spark of brightness beneath the larger blossoms. Some species hail as far south as Mexico. All are native to southern Canada through the Eastern US. All members of the mint family, bee balm wildflowers attract pollinators and people alike. Also is susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in the right conditions.īee Balm is just one of the many common names for all Mondarda species. Monarda bradburiana, Monarda citriodora, Monarda clinopodioides, and othersĬompost or all-purpose plant fertilizer (slow-release or liquid) Subscribe to the Epic Gardening Podcast on iTunes Bee Balm Overview Common Name(s)īee balm, eastern beebalm, Bradbury’s beebalm, lemon beebalm, etc. Listen to this post on the Epic Gardening Podcast Talk about the historical uses of bee balm plants.How to care for annual and perennial varieties.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Terms apply. trademarks are registered trademarks of Gardens Alive!, Inc.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |