The bee balm plant is a flowering plant from the mint family of plants Lamiaceae. Its scientific name is Monarda. According to research, the plant is believed to have originated from North America. The plant is being cultivated in different parts of the world and it has other names like Oswego tea, bee balm, bergamot, and horsemint. These plant leaves have a citrus-like fragrance which is what made it to be used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
The bee balm plant is both an annual and perennial plant depending on the climate of the region. It forms slender leaves that are oppositely arranged on the square stem. It can grow up to a maximum height of 60-100cm. During blooming it forms bilaterally symmetric tubular flowers with narrow upper lip and wider lower lip. They have double flowers of which one is a male and another is a female flower. The wild bee balm plant forms only one flower. The color of the flower varies from red to pink and light purple.
How To Grow Bee Balm Plant
The Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Bee balm doesn’t tolerate soggy soil.
Plant bee balm in spring after the last frost has passed. Space plants are 18-24 inches apart as they will spread over time. Plant the crown (where the roots meet the stems) at the soil level. Don’t plant too deeply.
Water plants regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, bee balm has moderate water needs. Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
This plant benefits from an annual application of compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. After blooming, cut plants back by one-third to prevent self-seeding and keep the plant tidy.
Divide bee balm plants every 3-4 years in spring or fall to reinvigorate growth and prevent overcrowding. With the right conditions, bee balm will thrive and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its aromatic foliage and beautiful flowers.
Bee Balm Seeds
The Bee balm produces small nutlet seeds within the flowering heads after the blooms fade in mid-to-late summer. The seeds are very small, brown or tan, and oval-shaped. Bee balm self-seeds readily, so the plants will spread and new plants will grow from dropped seeds if the seeds are allowed to mature and disperse.
To collect bee balm seeds, allow the flower heads to fully mature and dry on the plant. The seed heads will turn brown and papery. Gently break open the dried flower heads over a container to catch the tiny seeds as they fall out.
Stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, bee balm seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years before planting. These seeds need a period of stratification (exposed to cold, moist conditions) to break dormancy before germinating in spring.
The seeds can be directly sown outdoors in the fall or started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Bee balm makes an attractive flowering perennial that is loved by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies in summer gardens. Saving seeds allows you to propagate new plants yearly.
Bee Balm Flowers
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a beautiful flowering perennial plant that is native to North America. Here are some key facts about bee balm flowers.
They bloom in summer with whorled clusters of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, or white depending on the variety. The flowers resemble little tousled brain-shaped pom-poms and are very attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Bee balm gets its common name from the fact that the fragrant leaves and flowers were historically used to make a tea that helped soothe bee stings. The plants grow 2-4 feet tall and prefer full sun to partial shade.
Bee balm spreads readily by underground runners, so it can naturalize and form large colonies over time in the garden. In addition to attracting pollinators, the flowers are edible with a minty, slightly citrusy flavor and can be used in teas, salads, or as a garnish.
The Native American tribes used bee balm plants medicinally for treating colds, fevers, and other ailments. With its vivid colors, unique flower form, and ability to draw in beneficial insects, bee balm makes a wonderful addition to pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and perennial borders.
Uses And Benefits
1. Attracts pollinators
The bright red, pink, or purple flowers of bee balm are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.
2. Herbal medicine
Bee balm has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes. The leaves contain thymol, a natural antiseptic and antibacterial compound. Tea made from bee balm leaves has been used to treat fevers, colds, and digestive issues.
3. Culinary uses
The leaves and flowers of bee balm have a strong, minty, and slightly citrusy flavor. They can be used fresh or dried to make teas, add flavor to salads, and season dishes like meats, vegetables, and baked goods.
4. Aromatherapy
Bee balm has a pleasant, earthy aroma that can be extracted and used in potpourris, sachets, and aromatherapy blends.
5. Ornamental plant
With its colorful flowers and fragrant foliage, bee balm makes an attractive addition to flower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.
6. Natural insect repellent
The strong scent of bee balm is believed to deter certain insects, making it a potential natural insect repellent when planted near outdoor seating areas.
FAQs
1. What is bee balm use?
Bee balm is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antinausea, used to treat throat and cold.
2. Where does bee balm grow best?
The bee balm plant grows well in full sun, and moist soil rich in organic matter.
3. Is bee balm good to eat?
The leaves and flowers of bee balm can be eaten raw or cooked.
4. What does bee balm smell like?
The bee balm leaves have a citrus-like fragrance.
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