Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

Bee Balm is a hummingbird magnet — the tubular flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbird beaks, and they'll visit non-stop all summer. The red variety 'Jacob Cline' is the classic hummingbird plant. It's also a native wildflower that spreads to form impressive colonies. The aromatic leaves make excellent tea (it's in the mint family).

Hardiness Zones

3-9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Moderate

Mature Size

2-4 ft H × 2-3 ft W

Growth Rate

Fast

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom Color

Red, Pink, Purple, White

Care Guide

Plant in full sun with moist soil and good air circulation. Prone to powdery mildew — choose resistant varieties like 'Jacob Cline' or 'Marshall's Delight'. Divide every 2-3 years as it spreads aggressively. Deadhead for extended bloom. Cut back in fall.

Landscape Uses

Pollinator gardensHummingbird gardensBordersNative landscapesWildflower meadows

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestmountainsoutheast

Great Companion Plants

Coneflower

Black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta

MilkweedAsclepias tuberosa

Ornamental Grasses

Joe Pye WeedEutrochium purpureum

See Bee Balm in Your Yard

Upload a photo and our AI will show you exactly how bee balm would look integrated into your landscape — with a full plant list and budget breakdown.

Design My Yard — Free Preview

Preview free · $12.99 to download · 30-day guarantee