Bee Balm Monarda 'Violet Queen'

Water

Bee Balm, which is the common name for Monarda 'Violet Queen', prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. During hot or dry periods, water thoroughly once or twice a week, ensuring you provide enough water to soak the roots deeply. If you're hand-watering with a can or hose, a rough guide is to use approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During cooler or rainy spells, you can reduce the watering frequency. To maintain the plant's health and avoid disease, it is best to water at the base of the plant early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day.

Light

Bee Balm thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for Bee Balm is where it can receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with intense afternoon sun, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the leaves from scorching, especially in the warmer zones.

Temperature

Bee Balm can survive in a wide range of temperatures, tolerating a minimum of around -40 degrees Fahrenheit and an unspecified high temperature. However, it flourishes in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Bee Balm is hardy and resilient, making it suitable for cultivation in many different climates as long as extreme temperature fluctuations are avoided.

Pruning

Prune Bee Balm to encourage bushier growth, improve air circulation, and reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Cut back the plant by one-third to one-half in early summer to promote a more compact form, and deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage further flowering. The best time to do a major pruning is in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bee Balm 'Violet Queen' prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A recipe for an ideal soil mix could include equal parts of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite to ensure good drainage and fertility. Regular amending with organic matter will help maintain optimal soil conditions for Bee Balm.

Repotting

Bee Balm 'Violet Queen' is usually grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. It can be divided every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. If grown in containers, repotting may be necessary every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Bee Balm 'Violet Queen' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels, but it thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions. However, it's important to ensure good air circulation around the plant to minimize the risk of powdery mildew, a common ailment in high humidity environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and airflow for Bee Balm indoors.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, and space for air circulation.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Monarda 'Violet Queen', commonly known as Bergamot or Bee Balm, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in damp soil in spring. Once the seedling emerges, it develops a rosette of leaves near the ground, and with sufficient sunlight and moisture, it elongates to produce its square stem characteristic of the mint family. As the plant matures, it develops distinctive tubular violet flowers typically in mid to late summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers produce small, dry, nutlet-like fruits containing seeds for the next generation. Heading into fall, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, while the root system remains alive underground, enduring the winter in a dormant state. The following spring, the plant can re-sprout from the root system or seeds can start the cycle anew, provided the soil and environmental conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Monarda 'Violet Queen', commonly known as Bee Balm, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The ideal time for propagation is in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively flowering. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the clump of Bee Balm, making sure to preserve as many roots as possible. The clump should then be gently separated into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of root attached. These sections can be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of powdery mildew. It's important to water the new divisions regularly until they are established. Division not only helps to propagate Bee Balm but also to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.