Bee Balm - Monarda Fistulosa

Approximate seeds per pound: 21,120,000
Seeding rate: Plant bee balm wild flower seed at 1 pound1 per acre
Bloom Season: Summer
Height: 36 - 48 inches
Flower Color: Red
Plant Type: Perennial
Flower Type: Florets
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Is bee balm wildflower invasive? No
Is bee balm wildflower endangered? No
Is bee balm wildflower edible? No
Is bee balm wildflower medicinal? No
Regions: Native to plains regions, but can be grown in all regions.
Zones: 3 - 10
Soil preference: Prefers alkaline soils, but is adaptable.
Sun/Shade: Full sun to light shade
Moisture Requirements: Average moisture, well-drained.

Bee balm is an upright growing plant which spreads out. It has medium to dark green leaves that are tinged purple. Flowers are fragrant with tubular-shaped individual flowers above surrounding bracts. Bee balm's fall colors are gold, red and yellow.

Bee balm is native to eastern North America and the plains, so it is easy to grow from wild flower seed and it multiplies quickly. The flowers' sweet nectar attracts scores of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the wildflower seed garden. Bee balm's aromatic foliage smells like mint when crushed and is often used to flavor teas.

Bee balm can be found naturally along riverbanks and enjoys this rich, organic, moist soil. However, it will grow in average soil as well. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. Bee balm plants tend to spread more quickly in the shade. Most monardas multiply rapidly either by underground stems or self-sowing. In order to keep plants healthy and vigorous, they should be divided at least every three years in the spring. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom time. Powdery mildew is a common fungal problem with bee balm wild flower seed. To prevent this fungus from appearing, large clumps should be thinned out so that the air circulates freely around them. The soil should also be kept consistantly moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew.