How to Plant and Grow Bee Balm

A close up of vivid pink bee balm flowers, the vibrant colors of the petals contrasting with the green stems on a soft focus green background.

Uniquely beautiful, edible, and medicinal, bee balm makes a spectacular addition to any perennial garden. Just ask the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds when they come flocking to your garden en masse. Learn how to grow, harvest, and use this herbaceous perennial now.

Is Bee Balm Invasive? How to Control Monarda

A close up horizontal image of a large stand of red bee balm flowers growing in the garden taking over an area.

Bee balm (aka Monarda) is one of the most popular plants in North American gardens, but it’s also one of the most likely to get out of control. Is it worth it? With careful placement, the right strategy and tools, and a bit of time, controlling bee balm is easy and worth the effort! Read more to learn our top tips.

Why Won’t My Bee Balm Flower?

A close up horizontal image of a purple flower pictured on a soft focus background.

If it’s well into summer and your bee balm plants still aren’t displaying their signature colorful fountainhead flowers, check out this guide to pinpoint whether the problem is your climate, soil fertility, irrigation, crowding, pests, or disease issues. Then, get them blooming in no time with these tips. Read more.

Bee Balm Propagation 101

A large swath of pink bee balm flowers growing in the garden with a pond in soft focus in the background.

Many gardeners would agree that you can never have too much bee balm, a classic mid-border garden favorite. Luckily, it’s easy to propagate this long-blooming flowering herb via division, seeds, or cuttings. With proper care, you’ll have tons to sprinkle throughout the garden beds or give away to friends and family.