bee balm leaves

Can you use bee balm leaves?

Fresh bee balm leaves can be added to pesto, and the flower petals make a pretty and aromatic garnish. They can be used in salads, to make an herbal butter, or in homemade ice cream or a cream cheese spread. Bee balm petals are also a lovely way to dress up fresh fruit or a fruit salad like this one.

What is bee balm herb used for?

Bee balm is antimicrobial and soothing, so it's often used to treat colds and flu. It also has a soothing effect on the digestive tract and helps to treat indigestion, bloating and nausea.

Does bee balm spread?

Bee balms spread rapidly via underground stems or stolons. In addition, the centers of the clumps often die out within a few years. To control their spread and rejuvenate the plants, it's usually necessary to dig and divide bee balms every 2 to 3 years. ... Dig up the plants as soon as they emerge from the ground.

Does bee balm come back every year?

The bee balm flower has an open, daisy-like shape, with tubular petals in shades of red, pink, purple and white. Bee balm plants are perennial, coming back year after year to add cheerful color to your garden.

Is bee balm poisonous?

Edible Parts

The leaves of wild bee balm are edible raw or cooked. They are also used as a flavoring in salads and cooked foods. The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads.

Is bee balm poisonous to dogs?

Bee balm is a very aromatic addition to your perennial shade garden, and one which is safe for dogs. Bee balm plants have bright green foliage and flowers that range from pale pink to scarlet red. ... This plant is non-toxic to dogs.

Is bee balm invasive?

Bee balm propagates by rhizomes, or runners, that spread under the ground to produce new shoots. ... This means your bee balm will eventually be far from where you planted it. So if you are asking the question, “is bee balm invasive,” the answer would be yes, under suitable conditions. Luckily, bee balm is very forgiving.

Where does bee balm grow best?

How to Grow Bee Balm

Light: Bee balm does best in full sun. Though it will grow in part shade, it tends to stretch and become leggy over time.
Soil: Bee balm does best in evenly moist soil rich in organic matter. ...
Spacing: Plants should be spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Planting: Plant bee balm in the spring or early fall.

How do you use bee balm for tea?

Instructions

Put the water into a large glass jar or pitcher. Remove the flower petals from the bee balm stems.
Add the bee balm to the water, giving it a good stir. ...
Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. ...
Strain the tea through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and then keep chilled until ready to use.

Why did my bee balm die?

Hot temperatures coupled with low humidity or dry conditions can cause drooping and wilting in many plants, including bee balm. Heat causes the leaves to lose water through transpiration, especially in dry conditions. ... Temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit can be a problem, and at 95 degrees the flowers can die.

Does bee balm like sun or shade?

Culture: Prefers a well-drained site and a rich soil; will not perform well if planted in wet soils. Plant in full sun to partial shade (in warm climates). In partial shade beebalm tends to spread more readily.

What can I plant next to bee balm?

Bee balm adds color and height to an herb garden and should be planted near the center of the garden surrounded by your preference of shorter herbs grown as annuals, such as basil, thyme, chives and parsley.

Should bee balm be cut back in the fall?

Deadhead faded blooms to encourage the plant to re-bloom in late summer. After the first frost in the fall, cut stems back to about 2 inches above the soil. (See local frost dates.) Divide bee balm every 2 to 3 years to ensure its vigor.

What time of year does bee balm bloom?

Once established, bee balm is very trouble free and requires very little maintenance. Blooms begin in July and continue until late summer. Deadheading spent blooms will prevent seeds from self-sowing and encourage the plants to continue to flower longer.

How do you winterize bee balm?

How To Winterize The Bee Balm Flower. Pruning bee balm in mid-autumn helps get the plant ready for winter. Also in mid-autumn add a 1” inch layer of mulch around the roots. When spring arrives, and the ground warms up, remove the mulch to get plants ready for new spring growth.

Is Portulaca poisonous to humans?

What is Purslane Poisoning? Purslane is edible for humans and may be kept in vegetable or herb gardens. ... Scientifically it is known as Portulaca oleracea of the Portulacaceae plant family.

Are camellias poisonous to humans?

Camellia Toxicity

Camellias are rated by several groups such as the California Poison Center, the University of California and the University of Connecticut as safe garden plants. ... A safe rating means the plant is not toxic to humans.

Is celosia poisonous to humans?

The leaves are still safe to eat once the celosia begins to flower, but they tend to become bitter and stringy.

Is Lavender poisonous to dogs?

Lavender, the plant, does contain a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. The linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that this is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.

Is bee balm toxic to cats?

Some other plants that are safe for cats are herbs like bee balm, lavender, thyme and flowers like orchids, snapdragons, cockscomb, and many more. Consult a vet or do research before planting your flower bed.

Do Astilbes like sun?

It can thrive in full sun, but will need shade in the afternoon in hot summer climates. In full shade, flowering will be reduced. Soil: Astilbe thrives in moist, well-drained soil that has a slightly acidic pH (6.0). Add organic matter to keep the soil from drying out.