Also known as Bee Balm · 4.6k saves
Monarda
Monarda, the genus most gardeners know as bee balm. We track 46 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Monarda varieties
See all 46 Monarda varieties →Search this genus →
3 species of Monarda
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Monarda in Sow
Save the Monarda you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Monarda
Whats common across all Monarda varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Monarda year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and control spread
- Check for PestsJune–August93% of varieties
Watch for spider mites in hot, dry conditions
- DeadheadJuly and August88% of varieties
Remove spent flower heads to tidy the plant
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth starts
- PruneOctober38% of varieties
Cut back hard after flowering to prevent self-seeding.
Do
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to encourage bushy growth
- Fertilize in spring with organic compost
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Don’t fertilize late in the season
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
What goes wrong with Monarda
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide as needed |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Increase humidity and spray with neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil or fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on foliage | Ensure good air flow and treat with fungicide |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air flow |
Making more Monarda
Division
- Dig up mature plant in early spring or fall
- Carefully separate clumps with a sharp knife
- Plant divisions at same depth in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture
- Wait 4-6 weeks for new growth
Seed
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil evenly moist and provide bright light.
- Transplant seedlings after 8-10 weeks when established.
Monarda questions
How many types of Monarda are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 46 distinct Monarda varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4.6k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Monarda grow in?
Across its varieties, Monarda covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Monarda bloom?
Most Monarda varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring to early summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Monarda should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.