Monarda Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm

Monarda Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm is a showy perennial offering early summer interest. Heavy blooming, the plant sets shaggy, globular, boldly colored flower heads in a bright shade of purple. Borne singly atop long, willowy, square stems, the eye-catching, nectar-rich blossoms come in abundance; attract tons of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; and make excellent cuts for vase or arrangements.

A Monarda didyma variety, commonly called bee balm or bergamot, Monarda Balmy Purple is considerably smaller than typical cultivars. It is a clump-forming herbaceous plant with a compact, mounding habit of lance-shaped foliage that emits a minty scent when crushed or bruised. The plant is fast-growing, rhizomatous, and self-seeding and forms colonies over time. An attractive plant even when not in bloom, Monarda Balmy Purple Bee Balm is shown to best effect when mass planted in borders and beds but fits nicely in a container.

Bee balm prefers full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soils but tolerates heavier clay. In hot summer climates, some shade may be beneficial. Although the plant is mildew resistant, providing good air circulation helps combat disease. The plant is deer and rabbit resistant. Deadheading spent flowers promotes blooming.

A native plant, monarda is indigenous to North America, from Maine to Minnesota south to Missouri and Georgia. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.