Bee Balm Monarda 'Marshall's Delight'
ABOUT
Monarda 'Marshall's Delight', commonly known as bee balm, showcases vivid pink blooms that cluster into head-like, fluffy formations at the tips of squared stems, exuding a sweet fragrance. Each flower consists of tube-like structures that flare into a crown of slender, curved petals, drawing the attention of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Beneath these eye-catching floral displays, the plant bears pointed, ovate leaves that are bright green and slightly serrated, which often give off a pleasant aroma when crushed. The foliage is arranged in an opposite fashion along the stems, adding to the plant's lush and bushy appearance. Bee balm typically blooms in mid to late summer, presenting a showy spectacle in gardens that can last for several weeks. This desirable garden plant is equally appreciated for both its ornamental qualities and its use in herbalism.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Beebalm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea, Horsemint.
Common names
Monarda 'Marshall's Delight'
ToxicityTo humans
Bee balm (Monarda 'Marshall's Delight') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could possibly occur, so it's generally advised to avoid ingesting plants not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Bee balm is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs and cats, with no common poisoning symptoms associated with its ingestion. However, it's always best to prevent pets from eating large quantities of any non-food plants, as they could potentially cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, benefiting the garden ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant pink flowers, this bergamot adds a splash of color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant minty fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Disease Resistance: 'Marshall's Delight' is bred for resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem in Monarda species.
- Culinary Use: Leaves of the bergamot can be used to add flavor to teas, salads, and other dishes.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to cultivate and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowers of Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' bloom for an extended period, commonly from mid-summer to early fall.
- Cultural Significance: Bergamot has a long history of use among various cultures and can be used to create thematic gardens such as tea or herb gardens.
- Soil Improvement: As part of the mint family, it can help condition the soil and promote the growth of other plants nearby.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bee balm, as it is commonly known, can be used to create a natural dye for fabric or paper, yielding a range of colors from soft pink to rich purple depending on the mordant used.
- It can be incorporated into potpourris and sachets for its aromatic qualities, imparting a pleasant fragrance to drawers and closets.
- The leaves of bee balm may be used in the garden as a natural mulch, which slowly decomposes and adds nutrients to the soil.
- When added to the compost pile, bee balm can help accelerate the decomposition process due to its high nitrogen content.
- Bee balm petals can enhance the visual presentation of salads and desserts as an edible garnish, offering a subtle minty flavor.
- The dried flowers can be used in craft projects, such as making floral arrangements or pressing for bookmarks and greeting cards.
- The plant can be used as a natural pest deterrent in the garden, as certain compounds within it are unappealing to some insects.
- Bee balm can attract beneficial insects like butterflies and hoverflies which are important for pollination and natural pest control.
- It can be used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, potentially improving the growth and flavor of nearby plants.
- The plant can provide structural support in the garden for smaller, less sturdy plants because of its relatively tall and sturdy stems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBee Balm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBee Balm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Restoration: Monarda, also known as bee balm, is often associated with healing properties due to its historical use in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. 'Marshall's Delight' carries this symbolism of restoring health and balance.
- Attraction: Bee balm is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, symbolizing allure and magnetism. 'Marshall's Delight', with its bright pink flowers, highlights this aspect of attraction and the ability to draw in positivity.
- Happiness: The vibrant and cheerful blooms of 'Marshall's Delight' can symbolize joy and happiness, elevating the mood of any garden space or bouquet.
- Sympathy: As a garden plant that offers comfort to wildlife, 'Marshall's Delight' can also represent sympathy and empathy towards others, making it a considerate choice for gifting during times of sorrow.
- Peace: The soothing scent and the serene presence of 'Marshall's Delight' in gardens can convey a message of peace and tranquility, urging onlookers to pause and relax in their natural surroundings.
WaterBee Balm 'Marshall's Delight' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water to encourage deep root growth. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall; less water may be needed during wet periods. In hot, dry weather, it may be necessary to water twice a week. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and help prevent powdery mildew. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
LightBee Balm 'Marshall's Delight' thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant prefers to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. An ideal spot would be an area that receives morning sun and partial afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureBee Balm 'Marshall's Delight' is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 and can tolerate temperatures down to about -30°F and as high as 90°F. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth would be between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningPrune Bee Balm 'Marshall's Delight' to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground in late fall after the first frost to prepare for winter and to prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBee Balm 'Marshall's Delight' prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing compost and loamy soil will support its growth.
RepottingBee Balm does not typically require frequent repotting and is often repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or manage its size.
Humidity & MistingBee Balm thrives in moderate to high humidity, which helps mimic its native environment, however, it is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample airflow, and space for Bee Balm indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade, ensure soil drainage, and space plants.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleBee balm 'Marshall's Delight' (Monarda 'Marshall's Delight') begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the soil under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, usually in the spring. Once the seedlings emerge, they grow into young plants with characteristic fragrant foliage. As the plant matures, it develops sturdy stems and deep green leaves, eventually producing tall spikes with vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After blooming in early to late summer, the flowers produce seeds that can be dispersed to create new plants. In the fall, the plant's above-ground parts die back with the onset of cooler temperatures, although the roots survive and become dormant through the winter. The life cycle begins anew with the return of warmer weather when new growth emerges from the perennial roots.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Monarda 'Marshall's Delight', often known as bee balm, is commonly propagated through division, which is the most popular method for the home gardener to propagate this plant. Division should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide bee balm, you carefully dig around the plant to lift the root clump from the ground. Once out, the clump can be gently teased apart or cut with a sharp shovel or knife into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a portion of the root system and a few shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters) to allow for growth and adequate air circulation, which helps prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with bee balm.
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