Bee balm Monarda didyma
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Bee balm at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Bee balm toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Bee balm is listed as non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bee balm
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Garden phlox: Both garden phlox and bee balm are very prone to powdery mildew; planting them together in a humid, crowded spot raises disease pressure, so give them good air circulation. Evidence B
Questions about Bee balm
- How far apart should I plant Bee balm?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Bee balm need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bee balm need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Bee balm?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Bee balm flower?
- From about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bee balm poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Bee balm is listed as non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Bee balm?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bee balm. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Prone to powdery mildew in humid, still air.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare