The Benefits of Bee Balm – Care and Grow Guide

Bee balm (modara didyma) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to eastern North America. It is commonly known to have very fragrant leaves. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of colors, including scarlet-red, pink, purple, and white.

They are sometimes called Oswego tea because the leaves were consumed as curative tea by the Oswego Native American tribe. Check out our top tips and tricks for bee balm care below!

Growing Bee Balm

This flower tends to bloom from early/mid-summer to late summer and grows best in planting zones 4 to 9. Typically, these zones have rich, moist to wet, or moisture-retentive soil. However, they are also tolerable of heavy clay soils.

Be sure to plant them in full sun to part shade. However, in hot climates, plant them in an area with afternoon shade to prevent burning them.

Finally, since these types of flowers grow to approximately 2 to 4 feet in height, and 2 to 3 feet in width (spread), plant them with extra space to grow.

Bee Balm Care

Once your plant starts to grow, keep them flourishing by giving them the proper care needed.

Water moderately when the soil begins to dry. However, do not allow the soil to dry out as they thrive in moisture-rich soil.

When fertilizing, apply one-half inch of compost to the planting area in early spring. Apply an all-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) in midsummer.

It’s important to note that these plants are susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. Therefore, to prevent powdery mildew, water plants at ground level. And, plant them in an area that receives good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Bee balm has few pests but may be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, stalk borers, and thrips. However, deer and rabbits usually avoid this flower.

Lastly, deadheading flowers encourage blooming and help prevent self-seeding.

Does bee balm attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, it will attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.

What do the plants smell like?

Bee balm leaves have a pleasant mint-and-citrus fragrance; similar to the scent of earl grey tea.

Can I cook with bee balm?

Yes. The aromatic, dark green leaves can be added to salads, jellies and brewed to make tea.

How to Make Oswego Tea

Oswego tea is has a mild, minty flavor and is thought to help fight off colds and the flu. Oswego tea is made with bee balm leaves and water. Add a few flower petals to brew a light pink tea, if you wish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 or 4 freshly picked or dried bee balm leaves (use as many as you like for stronger flavor)
• 4 or 5 bee balm flower petals (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a teapot.
2. Put the leaves and flower petals into a tea infuser. If you don’t have an infuser, you can drop fresh leaves and flowers into the cup whole (you’ll just need to strain them out later).
3. Pour boiling water over the top of the leaves to fill the cup, and then stir it around to remove any air bubbles that may be inside the infuser.
4. Allow the leaves to steep for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches the desired flavor. Cover the cup to keep it warm while the tea steeps.
5. Pull out the infuser or strain the loose leaves using a fork or mini kitchen strainer.
6. Add sweetener, if desired. Enjoy!

Note: Check with your doctor before using bee balm internally or topically, as it may interfere with some thyroid medications or may be a concern for pregnant women.

Recipe courtesy of Get Busy Gardening.

Fun Fact: Gardeners often plant bee balm in perennial borders, native plant gardens, and cottage gardens. Additionally, adding orange peels to Oswego tea enhances the bergamot flavor.