How big does Bee balm grow?

About 1 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Bee balm grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Bee balm flower?

Flowering: July–September, red, pink, purple.

How much water does Bee balm need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Bee balm cost?

It sells for roughly €4 to €10 in local shops, depending on size.

Bee balm

Monarda didyma

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.

Illustration of Bee balm — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

In summer its shaggy red, pink or purple flower heads draw bees and butterflies, and the leaves smell spicy and minty when rubbed. It belongs in sun, but only thrives in moist, fertile soil and quickly gets mildew when it dries out. It spreads fast by runners, so divide it every few years and pick a mildew-resistant cultivar.

Watch out for

Powdery mildew is its most serious problem: after flowering the foliage often turns completely white and drops, especially in crowded beds with poor air movement. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe plants stressed by dry soil are even more susceptible, so water at the base rather than over the leaves and space plants well. Rust also occurs. Choose a resistant cultivar and rejuvenate by division every 3 to 4 years. It spreads by runners and by seed.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, red, pink, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, red, pink, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €8
20+ cm	approx. €10
size not stated	approx. €4 – €7.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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