Bee Balm

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Scarlet Bee Balm, Oswego Tea

Full to part sun, moderately wet to medium moisture level, prefers rich humusy soil, acidic pH.

2–4 feet tall, blooms mid to late summer (July–August in Middle Tennessee) with bright red tubular flower heads; spreads readily by rhizomes and re-seeding to form expanding colonies in favorable sites.

Germination Code: A — surface sow, light required for germination. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding and reduce mildew susceptibility.

Native region: Blue Ridge Province in Tennessee; cultivated forms widely adapted across the state.

Bee balm is highly susceptible to powdery mildew (Golovinomyces monardae) — a significant problem in Middle Tennessee's humid summers where nighttime dew keeps foliage wet for 8–12 hours. Mildew-resistant cultivars such as 'Jacob Cline' (red) or 'Marshall's Delight' (pink) are strongly recommended over straight species for Columbia-area gardens. Good air circulation is essential: space plants 18–24 inches apart and avoid overhead irrigation. Despite the mildew risk, the mid-summer red flowers are one of the most reliable hummingbird attractants available in Zone 6b/7a. Remove spent flower heads before seed sets to reduce aggressive self-seeding. Deer generally avoid it due to the strong mint-family fragrance.