Bees are strongly attracted to the perennial flowers of Bee Balm, making it a highly valued plant for pollinator-focused gardening. This native North American species belongs to the genus Monarda, which is an outstanding source of nectar and pollen for a diverse range of insects. The plant’s unique floral structure and abundant resource production contribute significantly to the biodiversity of a garden, serving as a reliable food source throughout the summer blooming season.
Understanding the Bee Balm Plant
Bee Balm is the common name for several species within the genus Monarda, a group of aromatic, herbaceous plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Popular species include Monarda didyma, known for its scarlet-red flowers, and Monarda fistulosa, often called Wild Bergamot with its lavender-pink blooms. The plants are easily identified by their square stems and aromatic foliage, which releases a minty fragrance when crushed.
The plant has acquired several other common names, including Oswego Tea, referencing its historical use by Native Americans for a medicinal beverage. The name Bergamot is also frequently used because the scent of the leaves resembles that of the Bergamot orange. Different cultivars offer a wide array of flower colors, including vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, and white, allowing gardeners to select varieties that suit their aesthetic preferences.
The Mechanics of Bee Attraction
The primary reason bees flock to Monarda flowers is their distinctive, elongated, and tubular shape, which is perfectly suited to certain types of pollinators. This specialized floral architecture is particularly advantageous for long-tongued insects, such as bumblebees and native solitary bees. These bees possess the necessary tongue length to reach the rich nectar store located deep within the floral tube.
The plant produces a significant quantity of nectar, which provides the necessary energy for foraging bees. While the flowers also produce pollen, the easily accessible nectar primarily draws in long-tongued species. For example, the deeper tubes of Monarda didyma are heavily favored by hummingbirds, but they still provide an excellent resource for large bumblebees.
In contrast, honeybees and other shorter-tongued bees may sometimes engage in “nectar robbing” by chewing a hole at the base of the tube to access the nectar. However, many Monarda species, such as M. fistulosa, have flower structures accessible to a wider range of bee species, including specialist bees like the small sweat bee Dufourea monardae. This variety in floral morphology ensures that Monarda supports both generalist and specialist native bee populations.
Growing Bee Balm to Support Pollinators
To ensure Bee Balm remains a strong food source for pollinators, gardeners must provide optimal growing conditions. The plant performs best in full sun (at least six hours daily), though it can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates. It requires moist, rich, and well-drained soil, as the plant naturally occurs in moist thickets and along streambanks.
Maintaining good air circulation is important to prevent powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can weaken the plant. Gardeners should space plants 18 to 24 inches apart for proper airflow around the foliage. Applying a light layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture and keeps the roots cool, which mimics its native habitat.
Regular maintenance maximizes the plant’s bloom time and vigor. Removing spent flower heads (deadheading) encourages a second flush of blooms later in the season. Since Monarda spreads vigorously via underground runners (rhizomes), dividing the clumps every two to three years in early spring rejuvenates the plant and prevents overcrowding.