When I first started gardening, I was overwhelmed by the endless choices of flowers. It was tempting to fill my yard with exotic, vibrant blooms, but there was one plant that kept popping up in gardening articles, whispering to me from its place among native plants—**bee balm**. I’d never heard of it before, but the more I learned, the more I realised that bee balm was exactly what my garden needed. And now, I’m here to tell you why it’s the one flower you absolutely must have in your yard.
Bee balm (or *Monarda*, if you want to get technical) is an easy-going, hardy native flower that’s become a star in my garden. Not only does it bring my space to life with its bright colours, but it also plays a critical role in supporting local ecosystems. Let me share the top seven reasons why I think everyone should make room for this incredible plant.
1. Bee Balm is a Pollinator Magnet
The first summer I planted bee balm, my garden was buzzing with life—literally! Within days of those vibrant, shaggy blooms appearing, my yard became a hot spot for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. I’ve always loved watching pollinators do their work, but nothing drew them in like bee balm did.
Bees in particular went mad for the flowers, and I felt a deep satisfaction knowing I was helping support their dwindling populations. I even noticed more butterflies fluttering about, their delicate wings glinting in the sun as they flitted from one bloom to the next. And the hummingbirds? Let’s just say they’re regular visitors now, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Every time I spot one hovering by the bee balm, my heart skips a beat.
2. It’s a Beautiful Burst of Colour
If you want to brighten up your garden, bee balm is your answer. The first time mine bloomed, I was stunned by how vibrant the flowers were. They come in a range of stunning colours—reds, pinks, purples, and even white. My personal favourite is the bold red variety, which adds a striking pop to my otherwise soft-toned garden.
What’s more, bee balm’s unique, slightly wild appearance gives it a charming, cottage-garden feel. The flowers are a bit quirky, with their long, tubular petals that seem to explode outward like little fireworks. They’re anything but boring and add so much character to my flower beds.
3. It’s Easy to Grow (Even for Beginners)
I’ll admit, when I first started gardening, I didn’t have much of a green thumb. I killed more plants than I care to admit! But bee balm turned out to be wonderfully forgiving. It’s a native plant, which means it’s adapted to the local environment and doesn’t need a lot of fussing over.
As long as you give it plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, bee balm will thrive. I’ve found that once established, it’s pretty drought-tolerant too. It also spreads over time, filling out beautifully and giving me more flowers each year without any extra effort. I love that bee balm is low-maintenance but rewards me with such a big impact.
4. It’s a Natural Remedy
One of the unexpected joys of growing bee balm has been discovering its medicinal properties. The plant has long been used in traditional herbal medicine, and I’ve started incorporating it into my own little home remedies. The leaves and flowers can be brewed into a soothing tea, which I’ve found helps with digestion and even headaches.
I also like to dry the flowers and use them in potpourri or herbal sachets. There’s something so satisfying about growing a plant that not only beautifies your garden but also supports your well-being. It connects me to centuries of tradition, and I love that.
5. It Supports Native Ecosystems
This is something that’s become really important to me as I’ve gotten more serious about gardening. Planting native species, like bee balm, helps maintain the natural balance of the local ecosystem. Unlike non-native plants, which can sometimes become invasive and push out native species, bee balm supports the insects, birds, and wildlife that rely on native plants for food and habitat.
I’ve noticed a real increase in biodiversity in my garden since introducing bee balm. It’s like everything in the yard feels more alive, more in sync with the world around it. And I feel like I’m doing my small part to protect the environment, which is such a rewarding feeling.
6. Bee Balm is Resistant to Deer and Rabbits
Living in a rural area, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with garden-munching critters. There’s nothing worse than tending to your plants only to find them chewed to bits by deer or rabbits. But bee balm? It’s like magic—deer and rabbits tend to steer clear of it.
I was sceptical at first, but after seeing my bee balm bloom untouched while other plants were nibbled down to stubs, I was sold. It’s such a relief to have a plant that can hold its own in the face of hungry wildlife. Plus, it means I can enjoy my flowers without having to constantly worry about fencing them off.
7. It’s Perennial – Year After Year of Blooms
I love annual flowers for their quick bursts of colour, but there’s something so satisfying about perennials, and bee balm is no exception. Once you plant it, you can count on it returning year after year, bigger and better each time. I love the anticipation of seeing it emerge in spring, knowing that it will soon burst into bloom and fill my garden with life.
Bee balm has become one of those plants I look forward to every year. I’ve even started dividing it and planting it in different spots around the garden because I can’t get enough of it. Every summer, it’s like welcoming an old friend back into my yard, and that’s a feeling I cherish.
Why Bee Balm is a Must for Every Garden
If you’ve been thinking about adding bee balm to your garden, let me be your gentle nudge. It’s not just a beautiful flower; it’s a plant that brings so much life and joy to your space. Whether you’re passionate about supporting pollinators, looking for a low-maintenance flower, or just want to add some vibrant colour to your garden, bee balm has something to offer.
For me, planting bee balm wasn’t just about filling an empty spot in the garden—it was about creating a space that feels alive, that supports nature, and that brings me endless joy throughout the growing season. I can’t recommend it enough. So go ahead, give it a try—I promise you won’t regret it!