Bee Balm Monarda 'Croftway Pink'
ABOUT
Monarda 'Croftway Pink', commonly known as Bee Balm, showcases a captivating display of pink flowers. Each bloom consists of a tubular shape, offering a prolific floral show that exudes a romantic pink hue. The flowers are distinctively arranged in a whorled pattern, creating a crown-like structure at the top of the stems, which adds an ornamental touch to any garden. Beneath the charming flowers lies the foliage, which has a lush green color and a tendency to emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed. The leaves are lance-shaped with serrated edges, contributing to the plant’s textured appearance. Overall, the Bee Balm 'Croftway Pink' possesses a vibrant, delightful aspect that is both eye-catching and characteristic of the inherent beauty found within the genus.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Beebalm, Bergamot, Horsemint.
Common names
Monarda 'Croftway Pink'
ToxicityTo humans
Bee balm, including Monarda 'Croftway Pink', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion typically should not cause symptoms of poisoning. As with any plant, sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction, but this is not common.
To pets
Bee balm, including Monarda 'Croftway Pink', is also not known to be toxic to pets. This means that ingestion of the plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats. However, gastrointestinal upset is a possibility with the ingestion of any plant material, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Monarda 'Croftway Pink', commonly known as Bee Balm, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright pink flowers, Bee Balm adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes from mid to late summer.
- Fragrant Foliage: The plant's leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed, which can add sensory pleasure to a garden.
- Culinary Use: Though medical properties are excluded, Bee Balm leaves can be used for flavoring in culinary dishes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bee Balm plants can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with less water availability.
- Easy to Grow: This hardy perennial is easy to grow and maintain, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Naturalizes: Bee Balm can spread and naturalize in an area, making it a great choice for filling in spaces in the landscape.
- Deer Resistance: Bee Balm is known for having a degree of deer resistance, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Monarda species contain thymol, which can serve as an antiseptic agent.
- Carminative: Traditionally used to help alleviate digestive issues, such as gas and bloating.
- Antifungal: Due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol, Monarda has antifungal properties.
- Antibacterial: May possess antibacterial properties against certain strains of bacteria.
- Diaphoretic: Can induce sweating and has been used traditionally to help reduce fever.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bee balm 'Croftway Pink' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of pink to lavender hues depending on the mordant used.
- Its aromatic leaves can be infused in oil to create scented candles or sachets that release a subtle fragrance when warmed.
- The vibrant flowers of Bee balm 'Croftway Pink' are excellent for pressing and can be used in botanical art or to embellish handmade paper.
- Its leaves and flowers are sometimes included in potpourri mixtures for their color and minty fragrance.
- When dried, the petals of Bee balm 'Croftway Pink' can be used to add a pop of color to decorative soaps.
- The plant can serve as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to its strong scent, which is not favored by many pests.
- Bee balm 'Croftway Pink' can be used as a companion plant to attract pollinators, which can improve the yields of fruit and vegetable gardens.
- Its flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for desserts and pastries.
- The crushed leaves of Bee balm 'Croftway Pink' can be rubbed on the skin as a natural insect repellent for temporary relief.
- Gardeners may use the stems and foliage of Bee balm 'Croftway Pink' as a part of mulch to add nutrients back into the soil as they decompose.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bee Balm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBee Balm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rest and Relaxation: Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, is often associated with rest and relaxation due to its calming fragrance and the presence of its essential oils, which are known to have aromatherapeutic benefits.
- Compassion: The soft, pink petals of the 'Croftway Pink' variety may symbolize compassion and understanding, evoking a gentle and empathetic feeling.
- Balancing: Bee Balm is believed to symbolize balance. It attracts pollinators and supports ecosystem health, reflecting a balance in nature and the interconnectedness of life.
- Healing: Historically, Bee Balm has been used in traditional medicine. This associates the plant with healing properties, both physically and symbolically, promoting health and well-being.
- Attracting Good Fortune: Flowers, especially brightly colored varieties like Bee Balm, are often considered symbols of good luck and positive energies, potentially attracting good fortune to gardeners and their homes.
- Gratitude: Giving Bee Balm as a gift could represent gratitude and appreciation, possibly due to its lovely appearance and beneficial properties.
WaterBee balm, commonly known as Monarda 'Croftway Pink', should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Initially, after planting, water the bee balm with about an inch of water per week to help establish the roots. Once established, watering can be reduced, and the plant should only be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season in hot, dry climates, increase watering to two inches per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew; instead water at the base of the plant.
LightBee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day but can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The best spot for Monarda 'Croftway Pink' would be a location where it receives morning sunlight and partial shade during the peak heat of the day.
TemperatureBee balm is adaptable to a range of temperatures but performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9. For optimum growth, avoid exposure to extremes of heat or cold and maintain as consistent a temperature as possible.
PruningPruning bee balm is essential to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. Trim back the plants in early spring to encourage a robust, bushy form and again after the first bloom to stimulate a second flowering period. Prune dead or diseased stems anytime as needed. The best time for major pruning is in late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bee Balm 'Croftway Pink' thrives in rich, loamy soil that is well-draining with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine garden soil, compost, and a small amount of coarse sand to ensure good drainage. It's important to maintain moisture without letting the soil become waterlogged.
RepottingBee Balm 'Croftway Pink' generally does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. However, it can be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years in the spring to rejuvenate growth and control spreading.
Humidity & MistingBee Balm 'Croftway Pink' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions. It doesn’t require special humidity considerations when grown outdoors, as long as it's watered appropriately.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMonarda 'Croftway Pink', also known as Bee Balm, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, requiring warm temperatures and moisture. Following germination, the seedlings grow into young plants with characteristic fragrant foliage and begin to form a root system. As the plant matures during the growing season, it develops tall stems with green leaves and by mid to late summer, it produces pink tubular flowers which are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After the flowering stage, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed to propagate new plants. In the fall, Bee Balm dies back to the ground in colder climates as it is a herbaceous perennial, and the roots overwinter. In spring, the plant regrows from its rootstock, completing its life cycle and ready to start the process again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Monarda 'Croftway Pink', commonly known as Bee Balm, is best propagated through division in the spring or autumn. This method involves carefully digging up an established clump of Bee Balm and gently separating it into smaller sections, making sure each new section has a good amount of roots and shoots. Once divided, the new clumps should be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water them thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions. This type of vegetative propagation ensures new plants are true to the parent plant, maintaining the distinct characteristics of 'Croftway Pink'.
