The Bee Balm "Mess?" Hardly!

One of my favorite plants of all time is Monarda Didyma, more commonly known as Bee Balm. It's a favored flower for hummingbirds, but herbalists like it for the fragrant tea it makes. In my 17 years of growing it, the plant has moved no less than about a dozen times because of its mint-like prolific, sprawling nature. It started in the appropriate place -- the herb garden (yes, it's a perenniel herb), but was moved to the back of the house at one point (it tolerates shade), to the native plant bed (yes, certain varieties are considered "native" to north america), and more recently in the rose garden just because I had a space that needed some summer color and the Bee Balm fit the bill. The plant is making its move again and is slowly creeping from one corner of the rose bed to another. But this time I'm letting it go. The patch has grown SO big, that I can't fathom trying to dig it up. So yesterday was spent cleaning it up and tidying up the edges so it doesn't sprout in the walk-way. It makes a mess! The tall, 3-foot sturdy flower stalks hang around long after the flowers fade and need removed come spring. It also makes a lovely cut flower in arrangements. If a neighbor offers you a start, take it! It's worth the effort. The hummingbirds will entertain you for many weeks enjoying the flowers.