Cut off stems with this condition and discard them. This condition appears as a grey/white coating on the leaves (it really does look like “powdery mildew”). The leaves of bee balm can be hit with powdery mildew, especially in damp climates or wet years. Then you should dig them up and divide them: throw the old center of the clump away and retain the outer parts for replanting.” Planting the Natural Garden, by Piet Oudolf and Henk Gerritsen “After a few years, the flowers degenerate. Dividing healthy plants every 2 or 3 years helps to keep the clumps dense and discourages them from spreading outside their spot in the garden. It can become somewhat invasive in truly optimal conditions, but is not generally considered as such, and is a native plant to the USA. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) in mid-summer can help keep the plant blooming into late summer.īee balm plants have a clumping habit (a welcome trait for a member of the oft-enthusiastic mint family). The bloom starts with an initial flush of cheery flowers, followed by intermittent blooming throughout the season. While bee balm is somewhat drought-tolerant, take care to water the plants and keep the soil moist.īee balm tends to start flowering in late June or early July. Whether the news was “joyfull” or not depended on which side of the inequation – aboriginal or explorer – you were on native peoples had found this herb long before Monardes arrived on the scene.” Herbs: The Complete Gardener’s Guide, by Patrick Lima How to care for bee balm plantsĬaring for bee balm starts with ensuring the leaves are receiving at least 6-8 hours of daily direct sunlight. “The genus is named for Spanish medical botanist Nicholas de Monardes, author of a book titled Joyfull Newes out of the Newe Founde Worlde. Water at planting and remember to keep the soil moist while the roots become established. Space the plants about 2 feet apart (and expect them to spread rather quickly). We have grown it successfully on the little strip of ground between the sidewalk and the asphalt of our street. Bee balm does not have deep roots, however, and this plant can survive in as little as 6″ of soil in the garden. Also, look for a spot with soil that drains well (no standing water – the roots need air), but be sure to have a hose or watering can for the plants handy as they do require watering in most garden settings.īee balm plants thrive in moist soil rich in organic matter. Planting bee balm starts with finding a location with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day). It is also common for gardeners to share “divisions” of bee balm when the plants are divided in spring or fall (generally every 2 or 3 years). Monarda ‘jacob cline’ is a very popular bee balm variety with hummingbirds! Buying bee balmīee balm plants can be grown from seed or purchased as potted plants. There are also named cultivars of bee balm from plant breeders, including favorites such as: Here are some lovely species of bee balm to consider growing in your garden: The deep green leaves are fragrant, releasing an aromatic, citrusy scent on hot days or when brushed against.” Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden, by Deborah L. “This charming member of the mint family bears shaggy-looking, 2- to 3- inch flowers in mostly warm shades atop tall, straight, square stems in summer. While bee balm plants do live for many years, they tend to thrive when divided into smaller pieces every few years.
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