The Many Varieties of Bee Balm

If you're looking for a plant that is both attractive and beneficial to bees, look no further than bee balm. This herbaceous perennial is native to North America and produces beautiful flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, bee balm is also an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.

But not all bee balm is created equal. There are many different varieties available, each with its own unique characteristics. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular types of bee balm and what makes them special.

1. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Description

Wild bergamot, also known as horsemint, is a common variety of bee balm found throughout much of North America. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and produces pinkish-purple flowers from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of wild bergamot have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Wild bergamot prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

2. Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Description

Scarlet bee balm, also known as Oswego tea, is a popular variety of bee balm with bright red flowers. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and blooms from early summer to early fall. The leaves of scarlet bee balm have a citrusy scent when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Scarlet bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry periods and may require staking to prevent it from toppling over. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prune the plant back after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

3. Lemon Bee Balm (Monarda citriodora)

Description

Lemon bee balm, also known as lemon mint, is a fragrant variety of bee balm with pale pink flowers. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of lemon bee balm have a strong lemon scent and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Lemon bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

4. Purple Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa var. mollis)

Description

Purple bee balm, also known as soft-leaved bergamot, is a hardy variety of bee balm with lavender-pink flowers. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of purple bee balm are soft and hairy, which gives them a velvety texture.

Cultivation and Care

Purple bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

5. Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata)

Description

Spotted bee balm, also known as dotted horsemint, is a unique variety of bee balm with yellowish-white flowers that are spotted with purple. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of spotted bee balm have a spicy aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Spotted bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

6. Prairie Bee Balm (Monarda prairie night)

Description

Prairie bee balm is a newer variety of bee balm with dark purple flowers. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of prairie bee balm have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Prairie bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

7. Bee-Licious Purple (Monarda 'Balbalmurp')

Description

Bee-Licious Purple is a cultivar of bee balm with deep purple flowers. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of Bee-Licious Purple have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Bee-Licious Purple prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

8. Jacob Cline (Monarda 'Jacob Cline')

Description

Jacob Cline is a cultivar of scarlet bee balm with larger flowers that are a deeper red. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and blooms from early summer to early fall. The leaves of Jacob Cline have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Jacob Cline prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry periods and may require staking to prevent it from toppling over. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prune the plant back after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

9. Raspberry Wine (Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine')

Description

Raspberry Wine is a cultivar of scarlet bee balm with deep red flowers. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and blooms from early summer to early fall. The leaves of Raspberry Wine have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Raspberry Wine prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry periods and may require staking to prevent it from toppling over. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prune the plant back after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

10. Sugar Buzz Cherry Pops (Monarda 'Cherry Pops')

Description

Sugar Buzz Cherry Pops is a cultivar of bee balm with bright pink flowers. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of Sugar Buzz Cherry Pops have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Sugar Buzz Cherry Pops prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

11. Blue Stocking (Monarda 'Blue Stocking')

Description

Blue Stocking is a cultivar of wild bergamot with lavender-blue flowers. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of Blue Stocking have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Blue Stocking prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

12. Grand Parade (Monarda 'Grand Parade')

Description

Grand Parade is a cultivar of bee balm with bright pink flowers. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of Grand Parade have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Grand Parade prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

13. Beauty of Cobham (Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham')

Description

Beauty of Cobham is a cultivar of scarlet bee balm with deep red flowers. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and blooms from early summer to early fall. The leaves of Beauty of Cobham have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Beauty of Cobham prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry periods and may require staking to prevent it from toppling over. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prune the plant back after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

14. Pardon My Cerise (Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise')

Description

Pardon My Cerise is a dwarf cultivar of bee balm with bright pink flowers. It typically grows to a height of 10-12 inches and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves of Pardon My Cerise have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Pardon My Cerise prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

15. Raspberry Wine (Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine')

Description

Raspberry Wine is a cultivar of scarlet bee balm with deep red flowers. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and blooms from early summer to early fall. The leaves of Raspberry Wine have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking.

Cultivation and Care

Raspberry Wine prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry periods and may require staking to prevent it from toppling over. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prune the plant back after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy.


Bee balm is a versatile and attractive plant that is beloved by both gardeners and bees alike. With so many different varieties to choose from, there's sure to be a bee balm that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a fragrant lemon-scented variety or a bold scarlet cultivar, there's a bee balm out there for you.

FAQs

1. Is bee balm easy to grow?

Bee balm is generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions. Most varieties prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types.

2. Can I use bee balm in cooking?

Yes! The leaves of most bee balm varieties have a pleasant aroma when crushed and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking. They have a slightly minty, citrusy flavor that pairs well with fish, chicken, and vegetables.

3. How do I deadhead bee balm?

To deadhead bee balm, simply pinch off the spent blooms with your fingers or a pair of scissors. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

4. Do bees really like bee balm?

Yes! Bee balm is an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. It is often included in butterfly and hummingbird gardens as well.

5. Can I divide my bee balm plants?

Yes, you can divide bee balm plants every few years to keep them healthy and vigorous. Simply dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, then replant in the desired location.