Bergamot Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'
ABOUT
Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', commonly known as Bee Balm 'Blaustrumpf', is a striking perennial that showcases vibrant and colorful flowers. The plant presents a dense cluster of tubular-shaped blossoms, which create a visually-arresting display. The flowers hold a rich, deep shade of purple, giving it a royal quality and making it an attractive focal point in gardens. Each flower is marked by a spiky texture resulting from the protruding stamens, adding to their unique appeal. The foliage of Bee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' is also noteworthy, composed of bright green leaves with a slightly serrated edge that provides a contrasting backdrop to the intense purple blooms. The leaves are aromatic, which becomes more pronounced when they are crushed or brushed against, releasing a pleasant fragrance that can attract pollinators and delight garden visitors. This Bee Balm variety forms a clump with stems that are square in cross-section, a characteristic trait of plants in its family. The stems are sturdy, serving as ideal support for the heavy flowering heads that perch atop. As the plant matures throughout the growing season, it becomes a lush, bushy presence, with the flowers persistently blooming in the warmth of summer and attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, who are enticed by both the scent and the rich nectar contained within the flower tubes. While the plant offers significant visual interest, it also contributes to the ecological well-being of a garden by providing essential sustenance to a variety of pollinating insects. This symbiotic relationship, combined with its striking appearance, makes Bee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' a valued addition to any planting scheme that aims to balance horticultural beauty with biodiversity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Blue Stocking Beebalm, Blue Stocking Bergamot, Blaustrumpf Monarda
Common names
Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'.
ToxicityTo humans
Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', commonly known as Bergamot or Bee Balm, is generally considered safe for human consumption when used in appropriate culinary quantities. It's often used in teas and as a flavoring. It's not typically known to be toxic to humans. However, like any plant, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation for some individuals, so it is always recommended to approach any new plant with caution. Significant ingestion of the plant beyond normal culinary use is not common, so information on serious toxicity is limited.
To pets
The Bergamot or Bee Balm plant is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe when animals come into contact with it in the garden. However, as pets can have different sensitivities, monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, is prudent if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant. If any adverse reaction is observed, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', commonly known as Bergamot or Bee Balm, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thus promoting pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant blue-violet flowers and lush green foliage, Bee Balm adds striking visual interest and color to any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant aroma that can enrich the sensory experience of a garden or outdoor space.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bee Balm can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves of Monarda 'Blaustrumpf' can be used in teas, salads, and as a garnish, offering a minty flavor to various dishes.
- Easy to Grow: This species is relatively easy to cultivate and maintain, making it a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Naturalizing: Bee Balm can spread over time, filling out garden spaces and reducing the need for additional plantings.
- Companion Planting: It can be planted alongside vegetables and other garden plants to attract beneficial insects and improve biodiversity.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', commonly known as Bergamot or Bee Balm, may have antiseptic qualities due to its thymol content.
- Antifungal: It may help combat certain fungal infections because of its high thymol and carvacrol content.
- Antibacterial: The plant could have antibacterial properties, useful against some bacteria.
- Carminative: Bergamot has been traditionally used to help ease digestive issues and reduce gas.
- Diaphoretic: It is sometimes used to induce sweating and reduce fever.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion planting: Bergamot is often used in gardens to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can improve the pollination of nearby plants.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the bergamot plant have been traditionally used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of pink and lavender.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried bergamot flowers can be used in floral arrangements for their striking appearance and pleasant fragrance.
- Culinary use: Bergamot petals are sometimes used as an edible garnish or to add a citrusy flavor to salads and desserts.
- Herbal teas: Dried bergamot leaves can be used to make a soothing herbal tea with a flavor profile that includes hints of mint and oregano.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil of bergamot is used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and calming scent, often incorporated into soaps, candles, and oil diffusers.
- Handmade paper: Bergamot petals and leaves can be incorporated into handmade paper, adding texture and visual interest to the final product.
- Photography: The vibrant colors and unique shape of bergamot flowers make them popular subjects in botanical photography.
- Education: Bergamot can be used in educational gardens to teach about plant-pollinator interactions and the importance of native flora.
- Wildlife habitat: When planted in the garden, bergamot provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, particularly insects and small birds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bee Balm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bee Balm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Balance: Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, with its tendency to attract bees, symbolizes a harmonious ecosystem and the balance needed for nature to thrive.
- Healing: Bee Balm has been used traditionally in herbal medicine, symbolizing healing and the soothing of ailments, particularly when used in teas and remedies.
- Attraction: Its vibrant flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, representing allure and the power of attraction.
- Prosperity: The plant's vigorous growth and abundant blooms can symbolize prosperity and generosity, as it freely spreads and shares its splendor.
- Protection: Historically, Bee Balm was used by Native Americans to treat various conditions; its symbolism extends to protection against illness and bad fortune.
WaterThe Bee Balm should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil, especially during dry periods. Ideally, watering should occur early in the morning to allow foliage to dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. It is recommended to provide Bee Balm with about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation; this approximates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard per week. During exceptionally hot or windy weather, additional water may be necessary. To avoid overhead watering, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant.
LightThe Bee Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade. A spot with morning sun and protection from the intense afternoon heat will help to keep the foliage healthy and encourage vibrant blooms.
TemperatureBee Balm prefers moderate temperatures and can endure a range from approximately 40°F to 85°F. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant are between 60°F and 70°F. While it can tolerate brief periods of colder temperatures down to around 30°F and higher temperatures up to 90°F, prolonged exposure to extremes can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Bee Balm to promote bushier growth and to prevent mildew and fungal diseases by improving air circulation. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages a second bloom in the fall. Cut back the plant to the ground level in late fall after the first hard frost or in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done at least annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix would include garden soil, compost, perlite, and peat moss to retain moisture while providing adequate drainage.
RepottingBee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. Division of the plant is recommended every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and control spread.
Humidity & MistingBee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to varying conditions outdoors. No specific humidity requirements are necessary for this hardy perennial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Bee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' indoors in bright light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Bee Balm 'Blaustrumpf' in sun to part shade and moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', commonly known as Bee Balm, begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and can take between 10 to 40 days. Seedlings will emerge and gradually develop true leaves, at which point they can be thinned or transplanted. Over the course of several weeks to months, Bee Balm grows into a mature plant with square stems and a bushy form, and will begin to produce its distinctive tube-shaped flowers that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After blooming in the summer, the flowers can be deadheaded to encourage additional blooms. As the season progresses, seeds will form and can be collected for future propagation or left to self-sow. Bee Balm is a perennial, and after flowering, it will die back to the ground in autumn, lying dormant through the winter, to re-emerge from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Monarda 'Blaustrumpf', also known as Bee Balm, is most commonly propagated by division, typically in the spring or fall. This involves carefully digging up the plant, ensuring a good amount of roots with each section, and then dividing it into smaller clumps with at least a few shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These clumps can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (about 45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow for mature growth. The soil should be kept moist until the new divisions are well established and showing signs of new growth.
