Top 100 Gift Ideas For Plant Lovers 2024
What not to plant with bee balm?
I wouldn’t plant bee balm alongside vegetables that are heavy feeders, like tomatoes or corn. They gobble up too many nutrients and might leave my bee balm a little weak. Plus, I’ve had problems in the past with herbs like mint or oregano taking over the garden bed if they’re close to the bee balm. I find they all spread like crazy and end up battling for space, so I keep those separate now. Finally, shade-lovers like hostas or ferns just don’t do well with bee balm. The bee balm gets tall and steals their sunlight, and they just don’t seem to recover from that.
How to deadhead bee balm?
I find deadheading my bee balm to be one of the most relaxing garden chores. When the blooms start fading and turning that brownish color, I grab my garden shears and head outside. Instead of snipping just the dead flower head, I follow the stem down to the next healthy set of leaves. I cut right above them, and it seems to encourage the bee balm to put out fresh flowers pretty quickly. Sometimes there’s even a new little flower bud waiting right below the old one! I love that fresh cycle of blooms it creates.
Is bee balm deer resistant?
I’ve found bee balm to be somewhat deer resistant in my garden, but it’s not foolproof. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents or textures, and bee balm’s aromatic foliage might deter them to some extent. However, if deer are hungry enough or if there aren’t many other options available, they might still nibble on it. In my experience, planting bee balm alongside other deer-resistant plants and using deterrent methods like fencing or repellents can help minimize damage.
Is bee balm toxic to dogs?
As far as I know from my personal experience and research, bee balm is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. I’ve had bee balm in my garden for years, and my dog has never shown any interest in chewing on it. However, every dog is different, so it’s essential to monitor your pet’s behavior around any new plants in your yard. If you’re concerned, you can always consult with your veterinarian for specific advice tailored to your dog’s health and habits.
What do bee balm seeds look like?
Bee balm seeds are tiny, dark-colored, and somewhat elongated, resembling small grains or seeds you might find in other plants. They’re usually dark brown to black and have a slightly oblong shape. When I collect bee balm seeds from my garden, I often notice their small size and dark coloration. They’re typically produced in small clusters after the flowers have faded, and each seed is enclosed within a small, dry seed pod. Overall, they’re relatively inconspicuous but still distinct enough to be recognizable when harvesting or sowing them.
Where to buy bee balm?
You can buy bee balm plants or seeds from various sources, depending on your preference and availability. Personally, I’ve found bee balm plants at local nurseries and garden centers, especially during the spring and summer months when they’re in season. Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and specialized plant nurseries also offer bee balm plants and seeds for purchase. Additionally, you might find bee balm at farmers’ markets or plant sales in your area, which can be a great way to support local growers and find unique varieties. Whether you prefer to shop in person or online, there are plenty of options for acquiring bee balm to add to your garden.
What to plant with bee balm?
Planting bee balm alongside complementary companion plants can create a beautiful and harmonious garden. From my personal experience, I’ve found that bee balm pairs well with a variety of other plants, including:
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea): These native wildflowers share similar growing conditions and bloom times, creating a vibrant display of color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta): Another native wildflower that blooms in summer, black-eyed Susans complement bee balm with their cheerful yellow petals and also attract pollinators.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia): With its silvery foliage and spiky purple flowers, Russian sage adds height and texture to the garden, creating a striking contrast with the lush foliage of bee balm.
- Catmint (Nepeta spp.): Catmint’s lavender-blue flowers provide a soft, complementary color to bee balm’s vibrant red, while both plants attract pollinators and thrive in similar sunny locations.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.): Salvias come in various colors and sizes, making them versatile companions for bee balm. Their long-lasting blooms and drought tolerance make them excellent choices for mixed perennial beds.
Overall, selecting plants that share similar growing conditions, bloom times, and aesthetic qualities can help create a cohesive and visually appealing garden landscape alongside bee balm.
What is bee balm good for?
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a versatile and beneficial plant in the garden. From my personal experience, I’ve found bee balm to serve several valuable purposes:
- Attracting Pollinators: Bee balm’s brightly colored flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an essential addition to any pollinator garden. Watching these beautiful creatures visit the flowers adds to the joy of gardening and helps support local ecosystems.
- Medicinal Uses: Historically, bee balm has been used by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties. It contains compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties, and infusions or teas made from bee balm leaves can help alleviate symptoms of colds, sore throats, and digestive issues.
- Aromatic Foliage: Bee balm’s foliage emits a pleasant, citrusy aroma when crushed, adding fragrance to the garden and deterring pests like mosquitoes and deer.
- Ornamental Value: With its showy, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, bee balm adds vibrant color and visual interest to borders, meadows, and cottage gardens. It’s also a long-blooming perennial, providing months of color throughout the summer.
- Naturalizing: Bee balm readily self-seeds and can naturalize in the garden, filling in empty spaces and creating a more lush and dynamic landscape over time.
Overall, bee balm is a multi-functional plant that enhances the beauty of the garden while supporting wildlife and offering potential health benefits.
Can i plant bee balm with lavender?
Planting bee balm with lavender can create a lovely and harmonious combination in the garden. While both plants have slightly different preferences in terms of soil and sunlight, they can complement each other well with proper placement and care. Bee balm typically prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade, while lavender prefers drier soil and full sun. Therefore, it’s essential to select a location that meets the needs of both plants, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight and appropriate soil conditions. Additionally, both bee balm and lavender attract pollinators, making them excellent companions for supporting beneficial insects in the garden. Overall, with attention to their individual requirements, planting bee balm with lavender can result in a beautiful and fragrant garden display.
Can you eat bee balm?
Yes, bee balm is edible, and both its flowers and leaves can be used in culinary applications. From my personal experience, I’ve found that bee balm has a slightly citrusy flavor with hints of mint, making it a versatile herb in the kitchen. The leaves can be used fresh or dried to make herbal teas, imparting a refreshing and aromatic flavor. Additionally, bee balm flowers can be added to salads for a pop of color and flavor or used to garnish desserts and beverages. However, it’s essential to ensure that the bee balm you’re consuming is grown without pesticides or other harmful chemicals and to moderate your intake, as excessive consumption may cause stomach upset in some individuals. Overall, incorporating bee balm into your culinary repertoire can add unique and delightful flavors to your dishes.
