Bee Balm True

About this plant

Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Lavender' is a delightful dwarf Bee Balm that brings all the charm of its larger relatives into a more manageable size. Its vibrant lavender-purple flowers, characteristic of the Monarda family, bloom prolifically from early summer through fall, creating a stunning visual display in your garden. This Proven Winners selection is celebrated for its exceptional mildew resistance, a common issue with traditional Bee Balm. Ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or the front of a perennial border, 'Pardon My Lavender' fits beautifully into any landscape. Its aromatic foliage adds another layer of sensory interest, and the compact habit ensures it won't overwhelm neighboring plants. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming and keep your garden looking fresh. Beyond its beauty, this plant is a pollinator powerhouse. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are irresistibly drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making it an essential addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. Easy to grow and incredibly rewarding, 'Pardon My Lavender' is truly a cut above for vibrant color and ecological benefit.

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 'Pardon My Lavender' is low-maintenance once established. Provide good air circulation to help prevent mildew. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring to maintain vigor.

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.