Monarda 'Bee Balm'
A fragrant, native perennial beloved by pollinators.
Bee Balm ( Monarda fistulosa ), offered by OSC Seeds
Also known as bee balm , this spectacular native perennial is prized for its pink to lavender flowers and its exceptional attractiveness to pollinators . Used both in flowerbeds and for making herbal tea , it grows to 60-90 cm tall and thrives naturally in clearings, thickets, and dry meadows. Its bright summer blooms and distinctive fragrance make it a favorite in sun-filled gardens.
Propagation: Indoor sowing or direct autumn sowing
Plant height: 60–90 cm
Package size: Approximately 250 seeds
Flowering begins: Mid-summer
Frost tolerance: Frost resistant
Companion plants: Echinacea, rudbeckia, yarrow
Incompatible plants: Highly invasive plants
Planting and maintenance:
Start sowing 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before the first autumn frost . Ideal soil temperatures are between 15 and 21°C . Sow at a depth of 6 mm and cover lightly. Space plants 45 to 60 cm apart. Germination can take 30 days or more . Monarda prefers full sun but tolerates light shade .
