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Never planted a flower before, just have a question about Bee Balm.

8 years ago

Hi. What is the tallest Bee Balm variety? Also, when is the best time to plant them? I want to plant them to demarcate the property border between our home and an empty property lot. Oh, and how far part to I plant these flowers?

Thanks so much in advance. I may go with Lilacs to do this, but the Bee Balm I've seen online are so beautiful, and charming, that I would love to decorate my yard with them.

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Comments (3)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
For future inquiries, bee balm - Monarda didyma - is not a bulb but a herbaceous perennial. The cultivar 'Jacob Cline' is one of the taller growing choices, typically topping out about 4'. It has a bright red flower, good mildew resistance and is attractive to hummingbirds. Monarda has a spreading growth habit - one small plant can grow into a colony about 2-3 feet across, provided conditions are to its liking. It prefers moist soils.

You can plant them anytime you find the plants available in nurseries. They are in stock right now at my local nurseries and garden centers.
ilovemytrees thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
ilovemytrees
Original Author
8 years ago
Wow, those are beautiful! Thank you so much for the information. I'm going to go study online more about herbaceous perennials and what you mean by colonies, as they related to these flowers. I know I can give them a nice moist environment, since I like water my plants all the time anyway. I really appreciate your response.
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purslanegarden
7 years ago

If you want to use it as a natural border, you may want a plant that stays green year-round (assuming your zone will cause it to die back). Well, I guess if you leave the dead branches and leaves as the border, it still will work. It should return the following spring better than ever.

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