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| Scarlett Bee Balm All photos by Jeffrey Blake |
- 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.
“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
