Bee Balm Monarda didyma Bee-pure = 'Monard0039' (PBR) (Bee-you Series)
ABOUT
The Monarda didyma Bee-pure, often known by its common name Bee Balm, is a perennial plant that features a striking appearance. It belongs to the Bee-you Series and exhibits a distinctive charm. This plant is known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that are often a brilliant shade of red, which can also appear in pink or purple hues. These flowers are clustered in a dense, rounded shape at the top of the stems and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, hence the name Bee Balm. The foliage of the Bee Balm is also quite notable. The leaves are a lush green color, with a slightly toothed edge, providing a lovely contrast to the bright flowers. The texture of the leaves is somewhat wrinkled with a coarse feel, and when crushed, they emit a pleasant fragrance that is reminiscent of mint, as Bee Balm is part of the mint family. What adds to the appeal of this plant is its general shape and structure. The stems of the Bee Balm are square in cross-section, typical of members of the mint family, and the leaves grow opposite each other along the stem, presenting an organized, balanced aesthetic. The Bee Balm has a clump-forming habit, which means it creates a bushy appearance with its stems and leaves growing densely together. Overall, the appearance of the Bee Balm 'Monard0039' is both beautiful and striking, with its vivid flowers standing tall above the contrasting foliage, making it a popular choice for gardeners and a beneficial plant for attracting wildlife. This variety is celebrated not only for its ornamental value but also for its contribution to the ecosystem by supporting pollinators.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego Tea, Crimson Beebalm, Red Bergamot.
Common names
Monarda didyma Bee-pure = 'Monard0039' (PBR) (Bee-you Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Bergamot is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, as it is often used in culinary applications, particularly for flavoring.
To pets
Bergamot is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in common household pets, so there are no specific symptoms or consequences associated with pets ingesting this plant. However, individual animals may have unique sensitivities, so it's always wise to watch for any unusual signs and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 didyma serves as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in pollination.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of the plant release a pleasant fragrance when crushed, which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden.
- Ornamental Flowers: Bearing showy, bright red flowers, it adds aesthetic value and vivid color to landscapes during its blooming season.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, it requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Resistant to Deer: Its natural resistance to deer browsing helps to preserve its ornamental appeal in gardens frequented by wildlife.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant tends to have a long flowering season, providing extended visual interest and pollinator support.
- Herb Use: The leaves can be used to make tea and are sometimes used in culinary applications for their mint-like flavor.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil and can be used to prevent erosion in certain garden situations.
- Easy to Propagate: Monarda didyma can be easily propagated through division or cuttings, facilitating garden expansion or sharing with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Aesthetics: Monarda didyma, commonly known as bee balm, provides a vibrant splash of red to gardens and can be used to create visually appealing borders or patterns.
- Attracting Wildlife: Besides bees, bee balm attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden.
- Companion Planting: Bee balm can be planted alongside tomatoes and other vegetables to attract pollinators, which can increase the yield of the vegetable harvest.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves of the bee balm can be used to add a minty flavor to salads, sauces, and beverages like teas.
- Photography: With its bright flowers, bee balm makes an excellent subject for botanical and landscape photography.
- Natural Fabric Dye: Bee balm flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding various shades depending on the mordant used.
- Educational Tool: Bee balm can be used in school gardens as a tool for teaching children about pollination and the ecological role of native plants.
- Floral Arrangements: The striking blooms of bee balm make it a popular choice for fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding color and texture.
- Soil Improvement: Bee balm can be used as part of a green manure crop rotation to help improve soil fertility and structure.
- Cultural Significance: Bee balm is sometimes incorporated into festivities or celebrations that have a focus on nature and the environment due to its appealing look and attraction of beneficial insects.
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: Often known as Bee Balm, Monarda didyma draws bees with its vibrant flowers, symbolizing an allure or attraction.
- Healing: Bee Balm has been historically used for its medicinal properties, thus representing healing and therapeutic energy.
- Balance: The plant's ability to thrive in a variety of conditions represents balance and adaptability in life.
- Protection: Native Americans used Bee Balm in remedies, which translates to a symbolic meaning of protection against physical and spiritual ailments.
- Prosperity: With its lush growth and proliferation of blooms, Bee Balm can symbolize prosperity and abundance.
WaterThe common Bee Balm 'Monarda didyma Bee-pure' requires regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil, particularly during dry spells or in hot climates. Generally, you should water Bee Balm deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. This can translate to approximately 0.62 gallons per square foot per week, depending on your soil type and climate. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation at the base of the plants. During the cooler months, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightBee Balm 'Monarda didyma Bee-pure' thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal location is a spot where the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from excessive stress due to heat.
TemperatureBee Balm 'Monarda didyma Bee-pure' grows best in a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F. While it's a hardy perennial, it can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. During the summer, it can endure temperatures up to 90°F; however, adequate moisture and some afternoon shade can help mitigate heat stress.
PruningPruning Bee Balm 'Monarda didyma Bee-pure' encourages healthy growth and prevents disease spread by promoting good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to stimulate a second bloom. In late fall or early spring, cut back the dead stems to just above ground level. Annual pruning also helps to control the size and spread of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bee Balm 'Bee-you Series' prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good recipe includes garden loam, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage.
RepottingBee Balm 'Bee-you Series' generally doesn't need to be repotted often as it is a perennial meant to be planted in the garden where it can spread.
Humidity & MistingBee Balm 'Bee-you Series' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but thrives in average garden humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, ensure good airflow, and keep evenly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist soil, good airflow, deadhead for more blooms.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMonarda didyma, commonly known as Bee Balm or Bergamot, begins its life as a seed, which, when germinated in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, sprouts and develops into a seedling. The seedling grows and establishes a root system, followed by the formation of stems and leaves through vegetative growth. Bee Balm enters a period of rapid growth, forming clumps with square stems and opposite leaves, and proceeds to the flowering stage, producing vibrant, tubular flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads that disperse seeds, enabling propagation and the continuation of the life cycle. As a perennial, Bee Balm will die back to the ground in winter in colder climates, but its roots survive to send up new growth in the spring. Over time, mature clumps may become crowded and can be divided and replanted to maintain vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Monarda didyma, commonly known as Bee Balm, can be propagated by division in spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established Bee Balm plant, making sure to retain a good portion of the root system. Once lifted from the ground, use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the root clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root mass. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (about 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This approach is preferred because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for a rapid increase in the number of plants.
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