With their colorful, fragrant blooms that attract pollinators by the dozens bee balm flowers are a beloved addition to gardens across North America. The flowers come in a diverse range of hues and forms making bee balm a versatile perennial. In this article, we’ll showcase bee balm flowers through pictures and explore some of the most popular varieties gardeners grow.
Bee balm flowers belong to the genus Monarda, which contains around 17 species of aromatic perennials in the mint family. Most bee balms are native to North America and valued for their medicinal uses by Native Americans. Today, they are prized for their blossoms that provide non-stop color over summer months.
The tubular flowers are arranged in dense, spherical clusters atop square stems Each cluster is made up of dozens of individual blooms The flower colors range from purples, pinks, reds, and whites to bi-colors.
Bee balm flowers have a minty aroma that attracts pollinators, hence the name “bee balm.” Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees flock to the nectar-rich blossoms. Deer tend to avoid the strong fragrance of bee balms.
Below you’ll find pictures of popular bee balm varieties to showcase the range of flowers.
Scarlet Bee Balm
Scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma) is one of the most commonly grown species. It displays bright crimson red flowers in mid to late summer:
[Photo of scarlet bee balm with red flowers]
Scarlet bee balm grows 2-4 feet tall and thrives in full sun with average soil. The red blooms make a bold statement in perennial beds and borders.
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa, also called wild bergamot, showcases lavender-pink flowers with a more open, spread out form. The blossoms have a fragrance reminiscent of the bergamot orange fruit:
[Photo of wild bergamot with pinkish-purple flowers]
Wild bergamot reaches 2-5 feet tall and tolerates drier conditions than other bee balms. It self-seeds readily, making it ideal for naturalized areas.
Lemon Bee Balm
Monarda citriodora earns its name from the strong lemon scent released when its leaves are crushed. The flowers are light purple and bloom in summer:
[Photo of lemon bee balm with purple flowers]
Lemon bee balm thrives in full sun and dry soils. It can become invasive in ideal growing conditions but is excellent for xeriscapes and cottage gardens.
Purple Rooster
Purple rooster bee balm (Monarda media) displays unique two-tone flowers in pinkish-purple and white:
[Photo of purple rooster bee balm flowers]
This more compact bee balm grows just 12-18 inches tall, making it suitable for borders and containers. It has excellent mildew resistance.
Balmy Rose
Monarda didyma ‘Balmy Rose’ offers large, shaggy pink blooms with darker pink spots and whorls of showy bracts:
[Photo of balmy rose bee balm flowers]
Balmy rose bee balm grows 3-4 feet tall. The lush pink blossoms give it an elegant, romantic vibe in the garden.
Marshal’s Delight
Monarda ‘Marshal’s Delight’ combines bright pinkish-purple flowers with pale green bracts for a pretty two-tone effect:
[Photo of Marshal’s Delight bee balm flowers]
This mildew-resistant cultivar blooms from early to late summer. Its shorter height of just 2 feet makes it perfect for containers.
With their diversity of colors and forms, bee balms offer attractive flowers for any garden. Give them a spot in full sun to enjoy their vivid blooms and irresistible fragrance all season long while attracting pollinators.
What are the other native Bee Balm species?
As mentioned, there are roughly fifteen species within the Monarda genus. (I’m saying ‘roughly’ because the number varies between 14-18 depending on the source…and a new species was identified in 2015!)
Not as easy to find at plant nurseries are these other species, which are all native to North America:
Types of native Bee Balm
There are around fifteen plants within the Monarda genus that go by the name “Bee Balm. ” Here are a few species that are easy to find.
This classic red-flowered Bee Balm is native to the Northeast, Midwest, and many Southern states, too. It can be tall—up to 4 feet at its happiest. This is a hummingbird magnet! Bloom time is from June to early August.
Bee Balm – Monarda Didyma – Complete Grow and Care Guide
FAQ
What month does bee balm bloom?
Does bee balm like full sun or shade?
Does bee balm come back every year?
Where is the best place to plant bee balm?
What color is bee balm?
Bee balm (Monarda spp.), also called wild bergamot, is known for its attractive scarlet flowers that bloom in the summertime and its fragrant foliage. In June and July, slender, tubular flowers are produced in 2—to 3-inch-wide flower heads. Flower colors include white, pink, red, lavender, and purple.
What is a bee balm plant?
Bee balm (Monarda), is also known as Oswego tea, horsemint, and bergamot. It’s a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and a versatile perennial plant. The plant attracts pollinators, and is a good addition to homemade potpourris and lotions. Bee balm flowers are so captivating that they add color and beauty to any garden.
How many bee balm flower photos are there?
Browse 370 bee balm flower photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images.
How big does a bee balm grow?
Because bee balm can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, it makes a great background plant for flowerbeds and perennial border gardens. Keep in mind that bee balms are vigorous plants. In small garden settings, some varieties of bee balm out-compete less aggressive neighbors, so be careful where you plant them.
When does bee balm Bloom?
Because of the popularity of pollinator plants, the availability of bee balm has surged. There are many different varieties with colors ranging from warm reds to cool lavenders. The flowers begin unfolding in early summer, and many varieties continue to bloom well into the fall.
Can you grow bee balm in a flower bed?
Given its height (2-4 feet), bee balm makes for an excellent background plant in a flower bed. Consider it as part of a pollinator garden! Check out this video to learn more about the benefits of growing bee balm: Bee balm performs best in full sun (at least 6 hours).