Bee Balm

About this plant

Monarda bradburiana, commonly known as Bee Balm, is a captivating native perennial cherished for its unique and charming flowers. From late spring to early summer, it unfurls spiky, tubular blossoms in shades of lilac and soft pink, often adorned with charming purple spots, creating a striking visual contrast in any garden setting. The aromatic foliage, smelling of mint, adds another layer of sensory appeal, releasing its fragrance when brushed against or crushed. Beyond its exquisite beauty, 'Bradburiana' is a powerhouse for local ecosystems. Its nectar-rich flowers are an irresistible magnet for a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local biodiversity and bringing your garden to life with activity. This compact and well-behaved variety is also remarkably resistant to powdery mildew, a common issue for other Monarda species, ensuring a healthy and attractive plant throughout the growing season. Perfect for cottage gardens, perennial borders, or naturalized areas, Monarda bradburiana thrives in average to moist, well-draining soil and a sunny to partially shaded location. Its clumping habit makes it an excellent choice for mass plantings or as a vibrant accent plant, providing continuous color and ecological benefits with minimal effort.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Monarda bradburiana is a low-maintenance perennial. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Generally deer resistant.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.