Attracting Pollinators with Bee Balm by Jeffrey Blake

 

Scarlett Bee Balm 

All photos by Jeffrey Blake

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), also known as wild bergamot or horsemint, is a popular garden plant that is excellent for attracting pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here are several reasons why Bee Balm is a great choice for attracting these beneficial insects:

 

• Abundant Nectar: Bee Balm produces an abundance of nectar-rich flowers with tubular shapes, making it easy for pollinators to access the nectar. The high nectar content provides a valuable food source for bees and butterflies.
• Long Blooming Period: Bee Balm typically has a long blooming period, often from late spring through early fall, depending on the variety. This extended flowering season ensures a consistent and reliable food source for pollinators throughout the growing season.
• Colorful Blooms: Bee Balm comes in various vibrant colors, including shades of red, pink, purple, and white. These bright and colorful blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping them locate the flowers easily.
• Attractive Fragrance: Many Bee Balm varieties have a pleasant, aromatic fragrance that can be particularly enticing to pollinators. The scent helps guide them to the flowers.
• Tubular Shape: The tubular shape of Bee Balm flowers is well-suited for certain types of pollinators, especially hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. These insects can easily insert their proboscis or beak into the flowers to reach the nectar.
• Easy Accessibility: The arrangement of Bee Balm flowers on tall stems with open clusters makes it easy for pollinators to land and feed. This accessibility encourages frequent visitation.
• Adaptability: Bee Balm is adaptable to various soil types and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it a versatile choice for many garden environments.
• Disease Resistance: Bee Balm is relatively resistant to common diseases and pests, reducing the need for pesticides that can harm pollinators.
• Hummingbird Magnet: The tubular flowers of Bee Balm are especially attractive to hummingbirds. The vibrant colors and nectar content make Bee Balm a favorite of these flying jewels.
• Biodiversity Support: By attracting a diverse range of pollinators, Bee Balm contributes to the overall health and biodiversity of your garden ecosystem, promoting the pollination of other plants as well.

 

Bee Balm is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape for its ability to attract and support pollinators. Its colorful blooms, abundant nectar, and adaptability make it a valuable plant for enhancing the beauty and ecological value of your outdoor space.

 

 Managing Bee Balm

“Bee balm propagates by rhizomes, or runners, that spread under the ground to produce new shoots. As these shoots multiply, the mother plant in the center will eventually die off over the course of a couple years. This means your bee balm will eventually be far from where you planted it. So, if you are asking the question, “is bee balm invasive,” the answer would be yes, under suitable conditions.”

 

“Bee balm control can be achieved effectively by dividing bee balm. This can be achieved by digging between the mother plant and its new shoots, severing the roots connecting them. Pull up the new shoots and decide if you want to throw them away or begin a new patch of bee balm elsewhere.”

 

Read more at Gardening Know How: Is Bee Balm Invasive: Tips On Controlling Monarda Plants https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bee-balm/controlling-bee-balm-plants.htm