Sprinkling a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around each plant in early spring is usually sufficient. Fertilizingīee balms don't require frequent or heavy fertilizer applications. ![]() Apply a mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. For best performance, water plants every 7 to 10 days during dry periods. Wateringīee balms like an even supply of moisture during the growing season. Plants won't flower as heavily and are more susceptible to powdery mildew when grown in partial shade. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Site Requirementsīee balms perform best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Flower colors include white, pink, red, lavender, and purple. The slender, tubular flowers are produced in 2- to 3-inch-wide flower heads in June and July. Numerous cultivated varieties are available at garden centers.īee balm flowers are borne atop the plants. Three species of Monarda ( Monarda didyma, Monarda fistulosa, and Monarda punctata) are native to Iowa. When sited properly and given good care, bee balm is a wonderful, easy-to-grow perennial for the home landscape. ![]() Other common names include bergamot, horsemint, and Oswego tea. The common name of bee balm is in reference to its former use to treat bee stings. Bee balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Fall is the perfect time to sow wildflower seeds.īarbara Jackson discusses a different native plant every month.In July and August, the attractive flowers of bee balm ( Monarda) are a common sight in gardens, along roadsides, and in prairies. Find details online at or call (352) 988-8117. However, seeds can be purchased from the Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative. I contacted several nurseries in the area and was unable to locate any plants. ![]() Native Americans used it as a tea to treat the common cold (be very careful to make a weak drink as a strong tea can be poisonous). The smell is wonderful! It contains the same oil as thyme and oregano so can be used as a substitute for these two herbs. One of the more interesting things about bee balm is its use in the culinary herb garden. Bee balm should be planted in full sun to moderate shade. It can be propagated via seed and is known to self-seed but is not aggressive. It can grow in very dry, well-drained sandy areas but prefers some water periodically. According to the Florida Native Plant Society website, the plant "can get rangy and fall over, but trimming in early summer will keep it bushier." It has moderate salt spray tolerance so must be protected if grown close to the ocean. ![]() This native plant can grow two to three feet in height and width. According to Rufino Osorio in his book A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants, "the chief horticultural interest of spotted bee balm lies in its flowers, which are borne in elongated spikes with conspicuous leafy bracts." The flowers are covered with dark purple spots and the bracts can be white, pink or rose, or all three.īee balm attracts pollinators by the dozens when blooming and can be covered in native bees and butterflies. Bee balm is at its best in August and September.
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