bee balm plant

How do you care for a bee balm plant?

How to Grow Bee Balm

Keep soil evenly moist through the growing season.
Add mulch around the plants to preserve the moisture in the soil and control weeds.
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.

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.

What is bee balm good 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does bee balm bloom more than once?

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) sends up dense clusters of scarlet flowers in midsummer, and it often remains in bloom for a month or longer. The flowers attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to your flower bed, making it a suitable choice for a low-growing shrub or an anchor plant in the garden.

How do you harvest bee balm for tea?

When & How To Harvest Bee Balm For Tea

The best time to harvest bee balm for making tea is in the late spring, or early summer before the flowers start to fade. Simply clip or pinch healthy leaves and flowers from the plant. Make sure you only use the healthy green ones though.

Do hummingbirds like bee balm?

Keep the soil surrounding bee balm moist but not soggy. This perennial plant produces vivid cardinal-colored flowers in the summer months. The bright red color of the flowers and the sweet nectar they contain attract hummingbirds in droves.

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.

What plants aren't poisonous to dogs?

Below is a list of 10 house plants that are non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Spider Plant. Chlorophytum comosum, commonly referred to as Spider Plants, are safe for dogs and probably one of the most widely recognized houseplants. ...
Tillandsia. ...
Boston Ferns. ...
Staghorn Fern. ...
Maidenhair Fern. ...
Prayer Plant. ...
Cat Grass. ...
Rosemary.

Is Rosemary poisonous to dogs?

Yes! Rosemary is healthy for your dog to eat and can even be used as a natural flea repellant. It also contains antioxidants that may prevent cancer and heart disease and is good for your dog's digestive issues given its antimicrobial properties. Rosemary can also improve memory and mood.

Does bee balm repel mosquitoes?

Bee Balm (Bergamot) – This beautiful blooming plant has many medicinal and culinary uses – mosquito repellent among them. And unlike many of the other plants listed here, bee balm works to repel mosquitoes not only when crushed but while alive and thriving in the garden.

Is bee balm poisonous 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 deer eat bee balm plants?

Bee balm offers a ton of virtues: It's a gorgeous, long-lived perennial; it has bright flowers over a long period in summer; it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; and deer and rabbits largely leave it alone. Plus it's a great cut flower.