Gardening Questions And Answers
That telltale white coating on the leaves of bee balm (Monarda didyma), lilac (Syringa spp.), roses, and other susceptible plants is caused by a fungus whose spores overwinter in garden debris and are spread by the wind. The fungus then feeds by sending small suckers known as haustoria into the host plant’s sap.
All parts of the plant are especially adept at treating digestive issues as the plant has carminative properties that combat a buildup of gas in the body. Additionally, the plant acts as a diuretic which can also help to soothe digestive problems. Bee balm is also a febrifuge, leading to its use in fever reduction.
Monarda Attracts Hummingbirds, Bees, And Butterflies To The Garden. Available in an array of pink, red, and purple flower colors, the spectacular crown-shaped flowers are favorites of hummingbirds and butterflies. This native perennial’s deliciously fragrant flowers and foliage are resistant to deer and rabbit browsing
Despite being drought tolerant, bee balm will grow best with even moisture. Lack of water can cause leaf curl, brown leaves, or scorched leaves. A drought stressed bee balm will have slower root growth, smaller leaves, and less blooms. As with most plants too much watering can cause root rot, mildew, and disease.
You can grow bee balm from seed, but it establishes quicker when planted from divisions from a friend’s garden or purchased plants from your local garden center. Like other herbs in the mint family, bee balm is considered to be a bit invasive. It will easily self-sow and also spreads by underground rhizomes.
Soil: Bee balm does best in evenly moist soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate lighter soil, but richer soil will encourage taller, stronger specimens. Boggy conditions are not tolerated, nor are soils that are allowed to dry out for long periods of time. Spacing: Plants should be spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Light: Bee balm does best in full sun. Bee balm is in the mint family, and absolutely lives up to the family name. It will intensively spread over a season via a mat of underground stems (stolons), but can be kept under control by regular digging and dividing. Planting: Plant bee balm in the spring […]
Propagating bee balm plants is a great way to keep them in the garden year after year or to share them with others. They can be propagated by division in spring or fall, by softwood cuttings in late spring, or seeds. Bright flowers and a minty fragrance make bergamot (Monarda) plants ideal for perennial borders.
Native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, bee balm (Monarda spp.) was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and is still prized in alternative medicine today. In fact, it gets one of its names, bee balm, from a popular salve derived from its resin that can be used to soothe bee stings.
Today, bee balm is still used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. As a member of the mint family, when bee balm is used in teas, it can help with digestive issues, bloating, sore throats, and nausea. Bee balm is a natural antiseptic and applied topically, can help with bee stings, rashes, […]