Bee Balm Monarda 'Talud'
ABOUT
Monarda 'Talud', commonly known as Bee Balm, is a distinctive perennial plant with a striking and ornamental appearance. This variety of Bee Balm is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and ability to attract pollinators. Its foliage consists of lance-shaped leaves that are bright green in color and are arranged on sturdy stems. The leaves also emit a pleasant fragrance when bruised or crushed, which adds to the sensory appeal of the plant. The most eye-catching feature of Monarda 'Talud' is its unique flowers. The bloom consists of a cluster of tubular flowers that are stacked in a tiered fashion, giving the impression of a flamboyant, showy crown. These flowers can vary in color, typically exhibiting shades of pink, red, or purple, creating a vivid contrast against the backdrop of the foliage. The Bee Balm's overall form is bushy and spreads outwards, with the flowering crowns perched atop the stems, creating an impactful display. These striking flowers do more than just add visual interest to gardens; they also serve as magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding lively movement to the plant's surroundings. Moreover, the blossoming period of the Monarda 'Talud' contributes to its charm, as it produces flowers recurrently through the summer months. The continual bloom offers an extended period of both aesthetic pleasure for gardeners and a steady source of nectar for visiting pollinators. In summary, Bee Balm is a captivating and aromatic plant that boasts a vibrant crown of flowers, attracting a host of beneficial wildlife to the garden while adding splashes of color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea, Horsemint
Common names
Monarda 'Talud'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Monarda 'Talud', commonly known as Bee Balm, is not generally considered toxic to humans. As such, there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting Bee Balm. It is commonly used in herbal remedies and is edible, often used to flavor foods.
To pets
Bee Balm is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is unlikely to cause poisoning or adverse health consequences if pets ingest this plant. However, as with any plant material, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset for sensitive individuals or pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Monarda 'Talud', commonly known as Bee Balm, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are important for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Bee Balm has vibrant flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant aroma that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden space.
- Culinary Uses: Some varieties of Bee Balm leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in teas or as an herb, although, it's important to verify the exact variety for culinary use.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bee Balm can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a range of soil conditions, as long as it has good drainage.
- Wildlife Habitat: Bee Balm provides shelter and nesting opportunities for small wildlife within its foliage.
- Natural Repellent: The aromatic oils in Bee Balm are said to repel certain insects, which can be beneficial for keeping pest populations in check.
- Companion Planting: Bee Balm can coexist well with other plants and is often used in companion planting to the benefit of vegetables and other garden varieties by attracting beneficial insects.
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 'Talud' can be used as a natural fabric dye, producing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- It's suitable for companion planting in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and improve pollination of crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- The crushed leaves of Bee Balm 'Talud' may be rubbed on skin as a natural insect repellent.
- It can be used in ornamental landscaping to create a vibrant focal point due to its bright, showy flowers.
- The fragrant leaves can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to impart a fresh, herbal aroma to your home.
- Some people use the dried leaves and flowers to make a natural, aromatic stuffing for sachets or pillows.
- Its distinctive flavor can be used to infuse syrups for use in cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages.
- The petals can be candied or used as a garnish for desserts, adding a touch of elegance and a mild spicy taste.
- Bee Balm 'Talud' can be planted as part of a butterfly garden, as it attracts and provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Its dense foliage and tall growth habit make it an ideal plant for creating informal, low-maintenance hedges or privacy screens.
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- Attraction: Monarda, commonly known as Bee Balm, is known for its ability to attract bees and hummingbirds with its brightly colored, fragrant flowers, symbolizing allure and magnetism.
- Healing: Historically, Bee Balm has been used for its medicinal properties, symbolizing health and healing.
- Peace: Bee Balm can also symbolize peace and restfulness, due to its calming scent and natural presence in serene garden settings.
- Prosperity: With its vibrant and abundant blooms, Bee Balm symbolizes growth and prosperity, reflecting the way it can spread and fill garden spaces with color.
WaterThe common name for Monarda 'Talud' is Bee Balm, and it should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the soil is evenly moist—about one to two inches. This usually translates to about one gallon per plant every week during the growing season, although the frequency may need to increase during periods of drought or excessive heat to maintain moisture. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew, so water at the base of the plant, early in the day. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and check the soil moisture level regularly to prevent overwatering.
LightBee Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. For optimal growth and flowering, it's best to plant Bee Balm in a spot where it receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. Ensure that the plant is positioned to receive morning light, which is less intense and promotes healthy growth.
TemperatureBee Balm is hardy and can survive in temperatures ranging from around -20°F to 90°F. The ideal temperature range for thriving Bee Balm plants is between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate colder winter temperatures as long as they are established, but they should be protected from extreme cold snaps with mulch or winter coverings.
PruningPruning Bee Balm is essential to promote vigorous growth and prevent disease. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooming during the season. After flowering, cut back the stems to a few inches above the ground to allow for new growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning Bee Balm is in late fall or early spring, before the start of the new growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBee Balm 'Talud' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix contains equal parts of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or perlite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingBee Balm 'Talud' generally does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years.
Humidity & MistingBee Balm 'Talud' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average garden conditions without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in bright indirect light, ensure proper airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, spacing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMonarda 'Talud', commonly known as Bee Balm, begins its life as a seed which, when sown, will germinate in the warmth of spring. Once germination occurs, the seed develops into a small seedling with a pair of embryonic leaves, followed by the emergence of true leaves as it establishes a root system. The plant enters a vegetative growth stage, producing stems and leaves, gaining height and mass. As maturity approaches, Bee Balm will begin to bud, followed by flowering in late spring or summer, attracting pollinators with its vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage. After pollination, the flowers will set seed, completing the reproductive cycle, and these seeds will disperse naturally or can be collected for propagation. In autumn, the plant will start to exhibit senescence, dying back if it is a perennial variety, or completing its life cycle if it is an annual, ensuring the continuation of the species for the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The Monarda 'Talud', commonly known as bee balm, can be propagated most popularly through division, which is best done in the spring. This involves carefully digging up an established plant and gently separating the rootball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new segment has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spaced approximately 18 inches (roughly 45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. The soil should be kept moist until the new plants have established themselves and started to show new growth. This method of propagation is particularly effective for bee balm because it helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.
