Bee Balm True

About this plant

Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Cerise' is a compact variety of Bee Balm, perfect for smaller spaces or the front of a border. Its vivid, cerise-colored flowers burst forth from mid-summer to early fall, creating a brilliant display. This Proven Winners selection boasts excellent mildew resistance, ensuring a healthier, more attractive plant throughout the growing season. The unique, shaggy blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, bringing your garden to life with activity. 'Pardon My Cerise' is an exceptional choice for adding a splash of intense color and wildlife interest to perennial beds, cottage gardens, or even containers.

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

Easy to grow. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring to maintain vigor. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of powdery mildew, though this variety is quite 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.