How tall does Monarda fistulosa get?
Monarda fistulosa, commonly called wild bergamot, is a common Missouri native perennial which occurs statewide in dryish soils on prairies, dry rocky woods and glade margins, unplanted fields and along roads and railroads. A clump-forming, mint family member that grows typically to 2-4′ tall. Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.The root system consists of deep, strongly branched roots, and shallow rhizomes that are responsible for the vegetative spread of the plant. These rhizomes typically send up multiple leafy stems in a tight cluster, giving Wild Bergamot a bushy appearance.
How tall does Monarda Bee Balm grow?
A member of the mint family, Monarda species include annual and perennial upright growing herbaceous plants endemic to North America. They range in height from 8 to 48 inches with equal spread. Beebalm plants bloom brightly colored whorls with leafy bracts from mid- to late summer. Bee Balm seed matures late summer-fall. Seed is ready to harvest when brown and dry. Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds are viable for 2 years.Bee balm (Monarda) begin to bloom in July and will continue to bloom throughout late summer. To encourage bountiful clusters of flowers, you will want to deadhead the plant throughout its entire bloom time.Essentially, all bee balm plants belong to the Monarda genus, but not all Monarda plants are necessarily referred to as bee balm. This genus includes various species, some of which have different names depending on regional preferences or specific characteristics.Bee Balm thrives in full sun to part sun. Full shade is the only sun option that won’t work well for Bee Balm. Bee Balm is a great native plant for beginning native gardens since it is happy in many types of light and soil.Bee balms like an even supply of moisture during the growing season. For best performance, water bee balms every 7 to 10 days during dry periods. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Apply a mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.
Is Monarda easy to grow?
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family that’s easy to grow and care for. Its vibrant summer flowers and medicinal properties make it a valuable plant for humans and wildlife. Bee balms don’t require frequent or heavy fertilizer applications. Sprinkling a small amount of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around each plant in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid excessive fertilization.Bee balm roots fairly easily from cuttings and can generally be planted in the garden the following year. Collecting seeds is a great way to start many plants at once, although the resulting plants may look different from the parent plant.Location: Bee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but can tolerate some afternoon shade. Soil: Bee balm prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.Bee Balm can be planted in the spring or fall, as both times yield outstanding results.