Bee Balm (Monarda species) is a perennial known for its unique, often shaggy blooms and aromatic foliage. Native to North America, these vibrant plants add a burst of color to gardens and attract various beneficial creatures. Companion planting with Bee Balm creates a more resilient and biodiverse garden by fostering mutually supportive plant interactions.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Bee Balm
Companion planting with Bee Balm provides several advantages for a thriving garden ecosystem. A primary benefit is attracting a wide array of beneficial pollinators. Its nectar-rich, tubular flowers are particularly appealing to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing cross-pollination and supporting biodiversity.
Beyond pollination, companion plants deter common garden pests. Some plants naturally repel insects, reducing the need for chemical pest control. They can also improve soil health by adding organic matter or drawing up nutrients from deeper soil layers for Bee Balm. Finally, companion planting enhances visual appeal with continuous color and texture throughout the growing season.
Ideal Companion Plants for Bee Balm
Many plants complement Bee Balm.
Pollinator Attractors
Echinacea (coneflower) attracts a wide range of pollinators, and its deep taproots can bring up nutrients, potentially benefiting Bee Balm.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) thrives in similar conditions, offering a striking visual contrast and a consistent nectar source. It can also act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture.
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) attract bees and butterflies, providing a long blooming period. Their clumping growth habit can help define garden spaces.
Salvia (Sage) attracts hummingbirds, which can aid in the pollination of Bee Balm, and its aromatic leaves may deter pests. Salvia’s preference for well-drained soil aligns with Bee Balm’s needs.
Goldenrod (Solidago) creates a strong visual contrast with Bee Balm and extends the pollinator season into late summer and fall. It is also hardy and low-maintenance.
Phlox, with its prolonged blooming season and diverse colors, complements Bee Balm well, providing continuous floral displays. Phlox also attracts pollinators and can act as ground cover, helping to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) attracts beneficial insects and can improve soil quality.
Lavender, with its strong scent, repels certain insects, offering natural pest protection for Monarda.
Coral Bells (Heuchera) and New England Aster also support pollinators and share similar growing requirements, contributing to a diverse and attractive garden.
Plants to Avoid with Bee Balm
Certain plants are not ideal companions for Bee Balm.
Powdery Mildew Susceptibility
Avoid plants highly susceptible to powdery mildew, like some Garden Phlox, Zinnias, and Roses. Bee Balm is prone to powdery mildew, and proximity to affected species increases disease spread. Adequate spacing and avoiding overhead watering help prevent this.
Resource Competition
Heavy feeders, such as corn, cucumbers, melons, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and zucchini, compete with Bee Balm for nutrients, leading to deficiencies for both. Avoid planting Bee Balm with other highly invasive plants like Barberry or English Ivy, as this causes overcrowding and resource depletion.
Incompatible Growing Conditions
Also unsuitable are plants preferring very dry conditions or significant shade, as Bee Balm thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
Designing Your Bee Balm Companion Garden
Careful planning is essential when designing a Bee Balm companion garden.
Sunlight and Soil
Bee Balm prefers full sun (at least six hours daily) for optimal blooming and healthy growth. Too much shade leads to leggy growth and increased powdery mildew susceptibility. Choose companion plants that also thrive in full sun.
Soil preparation is important. Bee Balm prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amending with compost improves fertility and drainage, benefiting Bee Balm and its companions.
Spacing and Aesthetics
Space Bee Balm 18-24 inches apart for air circulation, preventing powdery mildew. Adequately space companion plants, considering their mature size, to prevent overcrowding and competition. Consider plant heights, bloom times, and color contrasts for continuous visual interest.
Care and Maintenance for Companion Plantings
Maintaining a Bee Balm companion garden requires consistent care.
Watering and Fertilization
Bee Balm requires consistently moist, well-draining soil. During dry periods, water deeply (6-8 inches deep) at the base to minimize fungal issues like powdery mildew.
Fertilization for Bee Balm is light; a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is often sufficient, especially in rich soil. Over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen products, promotes foliage over flowers.
Mulching and Pruning
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (compost or shredded hardwood) to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers for continuous summer blooming. Divide clumps every few years (early spring or fall) to manage spread and rejuvenate plants for healthier growth.