Blue Moon Bee Balm
Monarda didyma 'Blue Moon'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
22 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Monarda, or Bee Balm, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, native to North America. They are known for their aromatic foliage and showy, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A compact, well-behaved cultivar with excellent mildew resistance. It produces large, light lavender-blue flowers in mid-summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep and water gently after sowing.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy and have established roots, typically after 6 weeks.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer in early spring.
Pro Tip
Plant Monarda didyma in full sun for vibrant blooms and robust growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring
- Fertilize with organic compost in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not cut back all stems in fall—leave some for winter interest
- Refrain from fertilizing excessively, which can encourage disease
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Moon Bee Balm questions
What zones can Blue Moon Bee Balm grow in?
Blue Moon Bee Balm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Moon Bee Balm deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Moon Bee Balm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Moon Bee Balm bloom?
Blue Moon Bee Balm typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Moon Bee Balm need full sun?
Blue Moon Bee Balm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Monarda to compare
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
'Jacob Cline' Bee Balm
Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'
Rockin' Raspberry Bee Balm
Monarda didyma 'Rockin' Raspberry'
Bradbury's bee balm
Monarda bradburiana
Purple Rooster Bee Balm
Monarda didyma 'Purple Rooster'
Raspberry Mint Bee Balm
Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Grow Blue Moon Bee Balm with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
