Bergamot 'Pink Lace' Monarda didyma 'Pink Lace' (PBR)

Water

Bee balm, the common name for Monarda didyma 'Pink Lace', requires consistent moisture and should be watered deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between watering. During hot, dry periods, watering may need to increase to twice weekly. A general rule is to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, either from rainfall or manual watering. It's best to water at the base of the plant early in the morning to reduce evaporation and minimize the risk of foliar diseases. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent mildew issues.

Light

Bee balm thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one where it can enjoy at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Full sun exposure encourages the most vigorous growth and abundant blooms but ensure there is some protection from the intense afternoon sun in areas with very hot summer temperatures.

Temperature

Bee balm is suited for a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate a minimum temperature down to -40°F, making it hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. During the growing season, it prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It's essential to protect the plant from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80°F can stress the plant and may require additional shade or water.

Pruning

Pruning bee balm is necessary to promote bushier growth, increase airflow, and reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Prune back in the spring as new shoots appear, and deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage further blooming. After the first frost, you can also cut the plant back to just a few inches above ground level to prepare it for winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bee Balm 'Pink Lace' thrives in soil that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. A mix with peat, compost, and perlite would be ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Bee Balm 'Pink Lace' can typically be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in the spring just before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Bee Balm 'Pink Lace' prefers a moderate level of humidity, similar to the natural humidity found in most homes. It does not require any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Bee Balm 'Pink Lace' in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant Bee Balm 'Pink Lace' in full sun to partial shade outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Monarda didyma 'Pink Lace', commonly known as bee balm, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of stratification or cold treatment before germination. Upon germination, in spring, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, forming a basal rosette with oval leaves. As the bee balm matures, it grows upright stems and its distinctive tubular pink flowers bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, flowers produce seeds, which are then dispersed to create new plants. During fall, the plant begins to die back as temperatures drop, retreating to the ground where it becomes dormant for the winter. The following spring, bee balm can regrow from its rhizomes or through new seeds, thereby completing its perennial cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Monarda didyma 'Pink Lace', commonly known as Bee Balm, can be propagated by divisions. The best time for this method is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler, which supports root development. To carry out division, gently dig up an established clump and separate it into smaller sections, making sure each has a fair amount of roots and shoots. These divisions can then be replanted at the same soil depth they were previously growing at, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating new, robust plants that will mature and flower quickly compared to starting from seed.