Monarda (Bee Balm)

The Facts

Height: 2′ – 4′
Spread: 2′ – 3′
Sun: Full Sun
Water: Dry to Medium
Soil: Any
Growth Rate: Fast

Monarda is a unique plant with many benefits to growing it. Native to the Americas, many tribes used it as an antiseptic for minor wounds and infections. Sometimes, the leaves were crushed and boiled to aid in curing headaches and fever. In addition to its medicinal properties tribes also used the bee balm to season wild game because of its taste that can be described as a mix of peppermint, spearmint and oregano.

Bee Balm comes in many different varieties and colors. Many pink and purple hues with some white and red in the mix. The biggest draw to this perennial is its adaptability and its great potential to attract pollinators of all different species. Monarda is great for mass plantings in garden beds or in container gardens. This would even provide great interest in some herb gardens as well.