Monarda didyma
bee balm
Clump-forming and upright, Monarda didyma brings real architectural and aromatic presence to planting schemes with sturdy stems carrying shaggy, crown-like blooms made up of tubular petals in variable bold red and pink tones. Flowering from mid to late summer, it keeps going well with a bit of deadheading, making it a solid choice for long-lasting impact in sunny or lightly shaded spots.
The aromatic, lance-shaped foliage forms a neat base beneath the flowers, adding scent and texture. Bergamot is a magnet for bees and butterflies, and is the flavouring found in Earl Grey tea. It works brilliantly in moist but well-drained soil, especially when paired with grasses or other naturalistic planting.
The aromatic, lance-shaped foliage forms a neat base beneath the flowers, adding scent and texture. Bergamot is a magnet for bees and butterflies, and is the flavouring found in Earl Grey tea. It works brilliantly in moist but well-drained soil, especially when paired with grasses or other naturalistic planting.
How to care for Monarda didyma:
Monarda are hardy, aromatic perennials that thrive in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and a sunny or lightly shaded position. They dislike conditions that are too wet or too dry, so regular watering in prolonged dry so regular watering in prolonged dry spells is essential.
Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter in spring and again in autumn to help retain soil moisture and suppress mildew. Powdery mildew is a common issue, especially in dry or crowded conditions — improve air circulation by spacing plants well and removing congested growth after flowering.
Avoid cutting back in autumn, as the upright seed heads and stems add winter structure and interest. Instead, tidy up in early spring before new growth emerges. Lift and divide large or congested clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigour and prevent dieback in the centre.
Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter in spring and again in autumn to help retain soil moisture and suppress mildew. Powdery mildew is a common issue, especially in dry or crowded conditions — improve air circulation by spacing plants well and removing congested growth after flowering.
Avoid cutting back in autumn, as the upright seed heads and stems add winter structure and interest. Instead, tidy up in early spring before new growth emerges. Lift and divide large or congested clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigour and prevent dieback in the centre.
Sowing instructions:
Best sown from late winter to early spring under cover, using a free-draining seed compost and only lightly covering the seed, as light can help germination. Keep the compost just moist and place in a bright, warm spot, with germination typically taking a couple of weeks. Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in late spring or late summer or early autumn and thin to 30cm (12in) intervals as they grow.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in good light, keeping them evenly watered. Harden off before planting out after the last frosts into a sunny or lightly shaded position with moisture-retentive soil, where they’ll establish well and return year after year.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in good light, keeping them evenly watered. Harden off before planting out after the last frosts into a sunny or lightly shaded position with moisture-retentive soil, where they’ll establish well and return year after year.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
