Care for Bee Balm (Monarda didyma):

Tips for Healthy Blooming

Monarda didyma, also known as the Bee Balm, is a beautiful perennial that fills your garden with color, fragrance, and life. With striking flowers in red, pink, or purple, this butterfly- and bee-friendly plant attracts many beneficial pollinators. With proper care, your Monarda will remain healthy for years, ensuring abundant blooms every summer.

Why plant Monarda didyma in your garden?

• Butterfly- and bee-friendly – attracts beneficial insects.
• Long flowering period – from mid to late summer.
• Strong and hardy – returns each year.
• Low maintenance – perfect for both experienced and beginner gardeners.
• Vibrant colors – red, pink, or purple for a striking garden effect.
• Easy to combine – pairs well with perennials like Echinacea and Salvia.

Location and light

For the best blooms, place your Bee Balm in full sun to partial shade. More sun = more flowers. In full sun, ensure the soil stays moist to prevent drying out.

Soil and feeding

Plant Monarda didyma in nutrient-rich, well-draining, slightly moist soil. Improve poor soil in spring with compost or organic fertilizer to provide everything the plant needs for a long, colorful flowering period.

Watering

Monarda does not tolerate prolonged drought. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot summer days. Water deeply once a week rather than lightly every day to encourage strong root growth.

Pruning and maintenance

• After flowering: Cut spent flower stems above the leaves to encourage a second bloom.

• In spring: Cut old stems back to the ground.

• Air circulation: Avoid crowding to prevent powdery mildew.

Winter hardiness

The Bee Balm is fully winter-hardy. Above-ground parts die back in winter, but the plant regrows fresh in spring.

Extra tip: rejuvenate

Divide older Monarda plants every 3–4 years in early spring to keep the plant healthy and prevent an empty center.

Combination tip: Pair Monarda didyma with Echinacea, Salvia, or ornamental grasses for a colorful, butterfly-attracting border from early to late summer.
Buy Monarda? Order easily online from our Monarda varieties and quickly enjoy this garden showstopper.

Extra information:

Pot size: P19

Approximately the purchase height of the plant: +- 50cm

The ideal temperature for the plant: 15°C - 25°C

Watering: 1x a week

Mist the plant: 1x a week

Location: Sun, Partial shade

Not suitable for consumption

Every plant grows and blooms in its own way and will differ per season and per plant.
The plant shown may differ in shape from that purchased in the store or webshop.