Monarda: Bee Balm
This lovely plant is often used in beds and borders to encourage and increase the presence of hummingbirds, pollinating insects, and predatory insects that hunt garden pests.
Plant care & info
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Monarda
Common Name: Bee Balm, Bergamot, Horsemint, Oswego Tea
North America
Monarda is a genus consisting of approximately 16 species of flowering plants.
Monarda plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plants established in partial shade or filtered sun tend to flower less. The plants are widespread across North America and can be found in moist meadows, hillsides, and forest clearings. Hardy in zones 4-9.
The plant should be divided every 3 to 5 years to reduce spread, keep the central core of the plant healthy, preclude root rot, and improve air circulation about the foliage. Deadheading faded flowers can prolong bloom time. Cutting the plant back before flowering can encourage compact growth.
Attracts hummingbirds, bees, beneficial insects and butterflies. Deer resistant. Edible flowers and leaves. A good cut flower.
Powdery mildew can be a problem if the plants get too dry in the summer or if the foliage becomes too dense. Slugs can be a major pest and devour new growth, so slug baiting in early spring is recommended.
Annual and perennial members of the mint family, Monarda species include upright, herbaceous plants endemic to North America. They range in height from 8 to 48 inches with equal spread.
Beebalm plants bloom brightly colored whorls with leafy bracts from mid- to late summer. Flower are varying shades of reds, pinks, and violets. The leaves, when crushed, exude a spicy, highly fragrant oil.
Monarda has historically been used as a medicinal plant by many Indigenous tribes. It has been recognized for its antiseptic properties and was traditionally used as a poultice for skin infections and minor wounds. Monarda is the natural source of the antiseptic Thymol—the primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas—and was traditionally used to treat mouth and throat infections.
Because of oils present in its roots, Bee Balm is sometimes used as a companion plant around small vegetable crops that are susceptible to subterranean pests. Bee balm is considered a good plant to grow with tomatoes, improving both health and flavor.
Monarda pairs beautifully with Miscanthus, Achillea, Salvias, and Eupatorium.
