Glossary
A flowering perennial herb in the genus Monarda, native to North America. Bee balm produces vibrant tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant is valued in pollinator gardens and has a history of use in herbal medicine.
Bee balm is one of the most effective pollinator-attracting plants a beekeeper can grow near an apiary. The tubular flowers are rich in nectar and bloom from mid-summer into early fall, a period when many other nectar sources may be waning. A single bee balm patch can keep honey bees supplied with nectar during the critical late-summer buildup before winter.
The plant comes in several species commonly grown in gardens: Monarda didyma (scarlet bee balm), Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot), and Monarda citriodora (lemon bee balm). All attract pollinators, but gardeners often choose based on flower color preference and local climate suitability.
Bee balm has been used medicinally by Native American peoples for centuries. The leaves and flowers contain thymol (the same antimicrobial compound found in thyme), which gives the plant its characteristic flavor. Bee balm tea, sometimes called Oswego tea, was widely consumed during the colonial era as an alternative to imported British tea.
In modern herbal practice, bee balm is used for sore throats, digestive issues, and topical skin applications. The essential oils in bee balm have demonstrated antimicrobial and antifungal properties in laboratory studies, though clinical evidence for specific health claims remains limited.
Yes, extensively. Bee balm is one of the best plants for attracting honey bees, bumble bees, and native pollinators. The tubular flowers produce abundant nectar that is easily accessible to long-tongued bees. Planting bee balm near a hive can provide a reliable mid-summer to early fall nectar source.
Bee balm is relatively easy to grow in USDA zones 3 through 9. It prefers full sun to partial shade, moist but well-drained soil, and good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. It spreads via underground rhizomes and can become aggressive if not contained.
Yes. Bee balm leaves and flowers can be dried and steeped to make a fragrant herbal tea with a flavor similar to oregano or thyme. It was historically called Oswego tea and was a popular beverage among Native American peoples and colonial Americans.
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