Bee Balm

Bee Balm is a colorful flowering perennial known for its bright summer blooms and strong appeal to pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects regularly visit the flowers, making Bee Balm a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Depending on the variety, blooms may appear in shades of red, pink, purple, or white.

Its upright growth and bold flower clusters work well in pollinator gardens, perennial borders, cottage gardens, sunny planting beds, and naturalized areas. Planting several Bee Balm plants together can create a stronger display and make the flowers easier for pollinators to find. It also pairs well with other pollinator-friendly plants, including our Purple Butterfly Bush.

Plant Bee Balm in full sun to part sun with fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil. In Georgia, a location with morning sun and some afternoon shade may help the plant handle intense summer heat. Water at the base of the plant rather than over the foliage whenever possible.

Good airflow is especially important in Southern gardens because crowded or damp conditions can encourage powdery mildew. Space plants according to their mature width, avoid overcrowding, and divide expanding clumps every few years. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Bee Balm guide recommends full sun and well-drained soil while also noting that the plant can tolerate partial shade. It also advises keeping the foliage dry to reduce mildew problems.

Removing faded flower heads can encourage additional blooming and keep the plant looking tidy. After flowering ends, leave a few seed heads standing if you would like to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Cut old stems back after they have declined or during late-winter garden cleanup.

Bee Balm spreads through underground stems and may slowly form a larger colony. Divide crowded clumps in early spring or fall to improve airflow, maintain healthy growth, and create additional plants for other areas of the garden.

Watch Our Bee Balm Plant Spotlight

Take a quick look at Bee Balm and see why it is such a favorite for sunny Southern gardens, pollinators, and colorful summer flower beds.