plant

Bee balm

Monarda didyma

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Nectarabundant
Pollenabundant
Mulch_biomassmedium

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence of new shoots in spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowering occurs in mid-summer as days lengthen and air temperatures are consistently warm.
senescenceFoliage begins to die back with the first autumn frosts.
dormancyEnters dormancy after hard frosts, persisting through winter as rhizomes.

Soil interactions

Drainagemoist but well-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed, division, cuttings
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationcold_moist
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring_or_fall

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Can host pestspowdery mildew
Can host diseasespowdery mildew