Bee balm is a beautiful, easy-to-grow wildflower that is a great addition to any garden. It attracts pollinators, is native to North America, and has medicinal properties. If you are looking for a new plant to add to your yard, bee balm is a great choice.
What is Bee Balm?
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a member of the mint family. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows 2-4 feet tall. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a slightly minty aroma. The flowers are tubular and bloom in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. Bee balm blooms from June to September.
Why You Should Grow Bee Balm
There are many reasons why you should grow bee balm in your yard. Here are just a few:
- It is a native plant. Bee balm is a native wildflower to North America, so it is well-adapted to our climate. This means that it is less likely to get pests or diseases, and it will require less maintenance than non-native plants.
- It attracts pollinators. Bee balm is a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are essential for our ecosystem, so by attracting them to your yard, you are helping to support the environment.
- It is easy to grow and care for. Bee balm is a very easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant once it is established.
- It has medicinal properties. Bee balm has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is a good source of antioxidants, and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
How to Grow Bee Balm
Bee balm is a relatively easy plant to grow. Here are some tips:
- Plant bee balm in the spring or fall.
- Choose a location that gets full sun or partial shade.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure.
- Water the plant regularly, especially during the first year.
- Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Divide the plant every 3-4 years to keep it healthy.
Where to Buy Bee Balm
Bee balm is available at most garden centers. You can also find it online.
Conclusion
Bee balm is a beautiful, easy-to-grow wildflower that is a great addition to any garden. It attracts pollinators, is native to North America, and has medicinal properties. If you are looking for a new plant to add to your yard, bee balm is a great choice.
Additional Information
- Here are some other common names for bee balm: Oswego tea, bergamot, and Eau-de-Cologne plant.
- Bee balm is a member of the mint family, which means that it has a strong, minty aroma.
- The flowers of bee balm can be used to make tea, which is said to have a number of medicinal properties.
- Bee balm is a popular cut flower, and it can be used to make arrangements or bouquets.
Here are some other benefits of growing bee balm:
- It can help to improve air quality.
- It can help to repel insects.
- It can be used to make essential oils.
- It can be used to make natural dyes.
I hope you enjoyed this article about bee balm. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.