BeebalmBeebalm is sometimes more commonly known as bergamot – the name originates in the apparent attraction it's fragrance has for bees. Bee balm was extensively used for tea in North America, and is still used in the composition of the famous Earl Grey tea.
This is one spectacular flower for shade gardening albeit light or bright shade. Not only is it beautiful it has a wonderful fragrance. It has uses beyond the garden such as to make a tea and can be used as an ingredient in salads.
Generally speaking, the red and purple or violet shades of flowers are far more common than the more occasional white and pink varieties. These plants grow to about four feet tall and spread out around three feet. As mentioned earlier it has a considerable attraction for bees, but also for butterflies and hummingbirds. This can add considerably to the interest generated by and the ambient beauty of a garden. Propagation
It is necessary to propagate these plants every three years or so as the centers have a tendency to die. If you find this happening, what you have to do is immediately work at digging up any dead areas that you can locate. Then use compost to fertilize the soil in those areas. What happens when you do this, is that the shoots of the plants tend to recolonize the richer soil, thus rejuvenating the plant. The procedure called 'dead heading' is also something that should be done as this encourages the plants to flower again. Limiting its spread
You have to limit its spread in spring, using a sharp shovel to cut it back to the areas you have designated for it. You can give away the cuttings to neighbours or friends, so that they can enjoy this undoubtedly attractive plant in their gardens. SoilsAny soil that you attempt to grow this plant is best if it is rich enough in humus and relatively moist. As you know, the right soil makes all the difference when you want to get the best out of a flowering plant. Mulching is something that is sure to benefit this plant, keep it healthy, as well as retaining much of the coolness of the soil. Mulch also tends to keep moisture in and generally speaking, using it will improve the blooms, both in terms of color and in terms of how long the blossoms last. Interesting varietiesSome of the new hybrids of beebalm are resistant to mildew and disease strains and are particaulrly interesting. Some of these include ‘Dark Ponticum’, with lovely purple flowers, ‘Gardenview Scarlet’, which as it names suggest has beautiful scarlet blooms, and 'Jacob Cline’ beebalm, a variety with big red blossoms. A few more photosI think you will really enjoy the colors, fragrance, and the flowers.
Buy Bee Balm
From Beebalm Back to Shade Garden Plants
Back to Shade Gardens Ideas and Plan
Related Posts : Flower Shade Gardening 
|
This plant has exquisitely beautiful flowers and is thus exceedingly popular with gardeners – the flowers range across from white to red to a lovely purple. These flowers also have a lovely fragrance, making this a truly attractive addition to any garden.
Beebalm is perennial, loves sunlight, is characterized by rapid growth, and is known for its ability to spread. It flowers through the middle of the summer up to the beginning of fall, with white, pink, red or purple blooms. 
This plant is propagated by dividing the roots, and this is something that is best done in spring, or failing that, in fall or autumn. 
Despite all its good and interesting qualities, and despite the color, fragrance and interesting insect and bird visitors that it attracts to a garden, you will find that beebalm can be rather a possessive colonial, always looking to conquer new territories and with a tendency to replace beebalm companion plants. 
