Bee Balm (Monarda)

Red Bee Balm

Zones: 3 – 9
Light: Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Time: Summer
Height: 15″ to 48″
Spread: 18″ to 48″

Bee Balm (Monarda) is a perennial with brightly colored red, pink or purple flowers that are made up of little tubes. Which are perfect for hummingbirds and butterflies to drink from. (And as the name suggests, bees like it too).

Monarda is a member of the mint family.

This means it can spread pretty quickly so plant it in an area where it has some room to grow. It also means that it grows well even in tough conditions like clay soil.

Because of its herb heritage, Bee Balm is drought-tolerant, and its strong scent deters rabbits and deer.

This post was originally published on June 16, 2020 but was updated with new content on June 18, 2022.