Bee balm is a pretty perennial lavender-colored flower native to Wisconsin prairies. It goes by a few other names including monarda, wild bergamot and Oswego tea. The Latin name is Monarda fistulosa. Another native bee balm, Monarda didyma boasts bright scarlet flowers.
Lavender bee balm flowers are about three inches across while the scarlet ones are larger, at four inches. The pom-pom shaped flower heads sit atop square, open-branched stems from two to five feet tall and bloom from June to August.
Along with prairie plantings, bee balm can find a home in the middle or back of any sunny perennial flower bed or border, herb garden, meadow, natural area or rain garden.
Horticulturists have developed several cultivated varieties of bee balm from the two natives in a range of colors and sizes. It is best to stick with the natives though, as they provide sustenance to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and many other insects while the cultivated varieties may not.
Bee balm’s toothed, four-inch leaves have a distinctive odor. It has been described as “oregano with hints of mint and thyme” but the scent is so unique that it really defies description. Bee balm’s strong scent and taste make the plant deer resistant. It is also on the short list of plants that are able to thrive near black walnut trees.
Bee balm prospers in a wide range of soils including sandy, loamy or clayey, both dry and moist. Plants should be divided about every three years as the center of the plant dies out. The edges can then be divided and replanted. Division improves air circulation and plant vigor.
Deadhead bee balm flowers to keep plants looking tidy. When lower leaves start to yellow, cut stems to three or four inches and you may get a second fall bloom.
The main problem with bee balm is that it can develop a foliar disease called powdery mildew which looks like powdery white blotches on the leaves. Powdery mildew is generally just a cosmetic problem and won’t kill the plant. It may become so severe that it causes premature leaf drop. Even then, unless it happens year after year, the plant will probably survive. Prevent powdery mildew by thinning the stems, choosing a site with good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Both leaves and flowers of bee balm are edible. The most common use for the leaves is to make a refreshing citrusy tea. They can also be used whole or chopped in recipes with duck, pork, sausage and curries or tossed into a fruit salad. Bee balm flowers add color and taste to salads or iced teas.
To dry leaves for tea, strip the leaves from the stem and lay them on paper or screen for a few days in a warm, shady place. If they haven’t dried in three days, place them in an oven on the lowest heat until completely dry, checking them every few minutes.
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