Bee Balm.

En un coup d'œil

Niveau d'entretien

Facile

Type de plante

Perennial

Lumière

Full sun to partial shade

Lumière en intérieur

Lumière vive indirecte

Arrosage

Tous les 3 à 7 jours

Taille adulte

3 to 4 feet tall

Croissance

Rapide

Rusticité

USDA 4 à 9

Floraison

Mid to late summer

Entretien

Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent the leaves from wilting. Watch for powdery mildew on the foliage, which often happens if there is poor air circulation. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season.

Arrosage

Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Engrais

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season.

Taille

Trim back faded flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.

Rempotage

Divide the clumps every few years to keep the plant healthy and prevent overcrowding.

Sol

Rich, moist, well draining soil

pH du sol

6.0 to 7.0

Température

-30 à 35°C

Humidité

40 à 70%

Résistance à la sécheresse

Faible

Durée de vie

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years

Parfum

Fort

Résistance aux chevreuils et lapins

Élevée

Sécurité

Humains

This plant is generally considered non toxic to humans.

Enfants

There are no specific safety concerns for children, though the stems can be slightly coarse.

Allergènes de contact

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.

Allergènes aéroportés

The pollen is not typically considered a significant airborne allergen.

Comestibilité

While the leaves are often used in teas, ensure you have correctly identified the plant to avoid confusion with toxic lookalikes.

Comment l'identifier

• Tubular red flowers in clusters
• Square stems typical of mint family
• Fragrant, serrated lance shaped leaves
• Distinctive shaggy flower heads

Hauteur

0,6 à 1,2m

Envergure

0,3 à 0,6m

Feuilles

medium green, deciduous

Fleurs

red, 3 à 5cm

Problèmes courants

• Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth appears on the leaves during humid or stagnant conditions.

La cultiver

Multiplication

division, seed, cuttings

Quand planter

spring, fall

Hivernage

Cut the stems back to the ground in late autumn after the foliage dies back. A light layer of mulch can help protect the roots in colder climates.

En pot

It grows well in containers, provided you use a large pot at least 30 cm wide to accommodate its spreading roots.

Planting in groups helps support the tall stems and creates a larger target for visiting pollinators.

Bonnes associations

• Phlox de jardin — They share similar moisture needs and bloom at the same time.
• Purple coneflower — They provide a nice contrast in flower shape and attract similar pollinators.

Espèces similaires

• Wild Bergamot — It is a closely related species that is often more drought tolerant.

Science

Famille

Lamiaceae

Genre

Monarda

Ordre

Lamiales

Classe

Magnoliopsida

Région d'origine

Eastern North America

Préservation

This plant is not currently listed as endangered or threatened in its native range.

It thrives in moist, open woods and along stream banks where it can access consistent water.

Intérêt pour la faune

nectar source

Pollinisateurs

abeilles, papillons, colibris

Utilisations

pollinator garden, herb garden, cut flower, tea

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

How do I stop powdery mildew?

Provide good air circulation and water at the base of the plant rather than overhead.

Does it spread?

Yes, it spreads via underground rhizomes and can be quite vigorous.

D'où vient le nom

The genus name honors Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish physician who wrote about American medicinal plants, while the species name didyma refers to the paired stamens.

Bon à savoir

• It is a member of the mint family.
• The leaves have a pleasant, citrusy scent when crushed.
• Native Americans used it to treat colds and sore throats.

Aussi dans

• Plantes que les cerfs ne mangent pas