Bee balm Monarda 'Loddon Crown'
ABOUT
Monarda 'Loddon Crown', also known as bee balm, features a distinctive and attractive appearance. The plant boasts showy, tubular flowers which are arranged in dense, rounded clusters at the top of its stems. The blooms have a vibrant reddish-pink color that can add a pop of brightness to any garden. The petals are slightly ruffled and may appear in a gradient of shades, with lighter and darker tones of pink. These prominent flowers are a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage of the bee balm consists of deep green leaves that are lance-shaped with slightly serrated edges. The leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed, which is a characteristic feature of the plant. The overall form of the bee balm is somewhat bushy, with multiple stems branching out from the base. This structure allows the plant to create a full and lush appearance in the landscape. During its blooming period, which usually occurs in summer, bee balm becomes a visual centerpiece in gardens with its striking flowers and aromatic leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Bee Balm, Bergamot, Horsemint, Oswego Tea
Common names
Monarda 'Loddon Crown'
ToxicityTo humans
Monarda 'Loddon Crown', commonly known as Bee Balm, is not known to be toxic to humans when touched or ingested in small quantities typically used for culinary or medicinal purposes. No severe toxicity symptoms are expected from consuming the plant, though as with any plant material, individuals may have allergic reactions or experience stomach upset if consumed in large amounts or if the person has a sensitivity to the plant.
To pets
Bee Balm is not known to be toxic to pets including dogs and cats. It is generally considered to be a safe plant in the garden, and ingestion is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset if eaten in moderation. As with any non-food plant, pets should not be encouraged to eat Bee Balm, and if any adverse reactions are noticed, contact a vet for advice.
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, commonly known as bee balm, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which benefits the pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant colors and unique flower shape, bee balm adds visual interest and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrant foliage: The leaves of bee balm emit a pleasant aroma which can add sensory pleasure to a garden space.
- Culinary use: Some parts of the bee balm plant are edible and can be used in teas and as a garnish, adding a minty flavor to various dishes.
- Drought resistance: Once established, bee balm is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-efficient gardens.
- Easy to grow: Bee balm is generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it accessible for gardeners of different expertise levels.
- Erosion control: The root systems of bee balm can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially when planted in groups.
- Versatility in landscape design: Bee balm can be used in a range of landscape designs, including borders, wildflower gardens, and cottage gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Monarda 'Loddon Crown' can be used in the garden to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to pollinator-friendly habitats.
- The dried leaves of this plant may be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for a pleasant aroma in the home.
- The aromatic leaves can be used to line drawers or closets to impart a fresh scent to linens and clothing.
- Culinary artists sometimes use the flowers of Monarda 'Loddon Crown' as edible decorations to embellish salads and desserts with a pop of color.
- The plant can be used in natural dyeing processes, as different parts may yield various colors for textiles or crafts.
- Pressed flower enthusiasts often include the distinctive flowers of Monarda 'Loddon Crown' in their artwork or in making bookmarks.
- Gardeners might use the plant in companion planting strategies to help hide or repel pest insects from nearby vegetables or herbs.
- Creative gardeners can craft the sturdy stems of Monarda 'Loddon Crown' into small wreaths or other ornamental items.
- Florists may use fresh or dried Monarda 'Loddon Crown' flowers in flower arrangements for a touch of wilderness and unique texture.
- The leaves can be rubbed on the skin as a natural mosquito repellent, although effectiveness and skin sensitivity can vary among individuals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bergamot is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bergamot is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Medicine: Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, is historically associated with healing due to its antiseptic and medicinal properties, commonly used by Native Americans to treat various ailments.
- Attraction and Magnetism: Bee Balm is known for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, hence symbolizing attraction and the ability to draw others in.
- Balance and Harmony: The balanced and symmetrical shape of the flower is often associated with harmony in nature, reflecting the idea of equilibrium in one's life.
- Aromatherapy and Relaxation: With its minty and pleasant fragrance, Bee Balm is frequently linked to relaxation and stress relief, symbolizing peace and calmness.
- Lively Energy and Vitality: The vibrant colors of Bee Balm flowers are symbols of energy and vitality, suggesting an invigorating presence and zest for life.
WaterBee Balm, the common name for Monarda 'Loddon Crown', should be watered deeply and the soil kept evenly moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim to water this plant approximately once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which could roughly equate to 0.5 to 0.75 gallons per square foot, ensuring that you're moistening the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. During rainy seasons or cooler weather, reduce the watering frequency to prevent overwatering. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness prior to watering to ensure that the plant actually needs additional moisture.
LightBee Balm thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day but can benefit from afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers. The ideal spot for Bee Balm is where it will get plenty of morning sunlight, which helps keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal infections.
TemperatureBee Balm prefers temperatures that range between 60°F and 70°F during the day and should not be subjected to temperatures below 40°F, to avoid damage to the plant. The plant can survive temperature fluctuations once established, but for optimum growth, keep it within this range. Avoid planting in locations where the temperature can drop significantly below freezing, as this could be harmful over extended periods.
PruningPrune Bee Balm in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is done to promote a more robust plant, to maintain its size and shape, and to encourage more prolific blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done during the blooming season to foster additional blooms. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to about 2 inches above ground level to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBee Balm 'Loddon Crown' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. For the best soil mix, combine garden loam, compost, and a handful of perlite to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingBee Balm 'Loddon Crown' generally does not require frequent repotting. Reposition or divide the clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingBee Balm 'Loddon Crown' thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, similar to what you would find in its natural habitat. Ensuring good air circulation can help maintain appropriate humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, high humidity, and moist, rich soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part-shade, moist soil, space 18-24 inches.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Bee Balm 'Loddon Crown' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given suitable temperatures, germinates to produce small seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they develop into mature plants with square stems and opposite leaves, a characteristic of the Lamiaceae family. Throughout the spring and summer, Bee Balm undergoes a vegetative stage, where it forms clumps due to its rhizomatous root system and prepares for flowering. The flowering stage occurs in the summer when the plant produces vibrant, crown-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, which can give rise to new plants in the following season. Finally, as a perennial, Bee Balm dies back to the ground in the fall after the first frost, with its roots remaining dormant during the winter before re-emerging in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Monarda 'Loddon Crown', commonly known as Bee Balm, is most effectively propagated through division as it ensures the characteristics of the cultivar are maintained. This practice is typically done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up an established clump of Bee Balm, making sure to take a generous amount of roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing at before, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow for growth and air circulation that helps prevent powdery mildew from developing on the leaves. Ensure the newly planted divisions are well watered to help establish them in their new location.
