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A mature Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) growing in a residential garden bedFoliage

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Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

Bee Balm is a medium-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 4-9, that matures to about 2-4 ft × 2-3 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-wet soil. Expect red blooms in summer. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and moths, stands up well to black walnut, deer and pests.

USDA zones
4-9
Sun
Full sun, Part shade
Water
High
Mature size
2-4 ft × 2-3 ft
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Soil
Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color
Red
Bloom season
Summer
Attracts
Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Moths, Pollinators, Bees
Tough against
Black walnut, Deer, Pests, Rabbits, Wet soil
Native to
Canada, United States

Freeze survival

Will it survive your winters?

We score Bee Balm’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

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