If you’re looking to grow a vibrant colored flowering plant without spending much, then bee balm would definitely fit the list.
With its firework-like blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, bee balm (also known as Monarda) adds a burst of color to your backyard.
It’s not just about its wild charming appearance, this perennial plant attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, bringing life and movement to your garden.
Native to North America, bee balm thrives in a variety of climates and is a breeze to propagate, especially through division.
To grow bee balm using rhizomes, simply dig up a section of the plant and cut a portion that has healthy roots and shoots.
Replant the divided rhizome just below the soil surface with the shoots facing upward, and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears and the plant becomes established.
Growing Requirements of Bee Balm
Bee balm thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering. However, in hotter climates, it appreciates a bit of afternoon shade.
It prefers rich, well-draining soil that’s kept consistently moist but not soggy. Adding compost or organic matter can improve both drainage and fertility.
Space plants about 18–24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent powdery mildew—a common issue with bee balm.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year as the plant establishes. Once mature, bee balm is moderately drought-tolerant.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages longer flowering and a tidier look. In fall, you can cut the plant back to just a few inches above the ground.
How to Propagate Bee Balm Through Division (Rhizomes)?
Division is one of the simplest and most effective ways to propagate bee balm, especially for gardeners looking to expand their flower beds or rejuvenate aging plants.
Bee balm spreads through underground stems called rhizomes, which produce new shoots and roots over time.
As these rhizomes multiply beneath the soil, the plant can become dense, crowded, or start to die out in the center. Division helps refresh the original plant and gives you healthy new starts to plant elsewhere.
Best Time to Divide Bee Balm
The ideal time to divide bee balm is early spring, just as new shoots begin emerging from the soil. At this stage, the plant hasn’t yet devoted much energy to blooming, and the weather is cool enough to reduce transplant stress.
Fall is also a good option—once the plant has finished flowering, you can divide and transplant it before the first frost.
Avoid dividing during the peak of summer, when heat and flowering can make the process stressful for the plant.
Step-by-Step Guide: Dividing Bee Balm
- Water the Day Before
Give the plant a deep watering the day before you plan to divide it. Moist soil makes digging easier and reduces shock to the roots. - Dig Up the Parent Plant
Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the base of the bee balm. Dig several inches away from the crown to avoid cutting through too many rhizomes. Gently lift the entire clump out of the ground. - Separate the Clump
Shake off or gently wash away the soil so you can see the root system clearly. Using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the root mass into smaller sections. Each section should have a good portion of rhizome with attached roots and at least one or two healthy shoots or buds. - Prepare the New Planting Area
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. You can mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil before replanting. - Replant the Divisions
Plant each new division at the same depth it was originally growing. Space them 18–24 inches apart to allow room for air circulation and future growth. Firm the soil gently around the roots. - Water Thoroughly
Give each newly planted section a deep watering to help settle the soil and support root establishment. Continue to water regularly over the next few weeks, especially if rainfall is light.
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Dividing bee balm leads to healthier plants by removing older, woody portions that can hinder growth. The younger divisions have more energy to establish themselves and thrive in their new spots.
You’ll also enjoy more blooms, as divided plants often grow more vigorously and flower more profusely. It’s a cost-effective way to expand your garden or share bee balm with fellow gardeners—no need to buy new plants.
Another big benefit is disease management. Regular division improves air circulation, reducing the risk of common issues like powdery mildew. Aim to divide your bee balm every 2–3 years to keep it vibrant, manageable, and buzzing with pollinators.
How to Propagate Bee Balm from Cuttings?
Propagating bee balm from cuttings is a simple way to clone your favorite variety while speeding up the growing process. Unlike seeds, which can vary, cuttings ensure you get an exact replica of the parent plant in both color and form.
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Best Time for Cuttings
The ideal time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing but not yet flowering. Look for soft, non-woody stems—these root faster and more successfully.
Step-by-Step Guide: Propagating Bee Balm from Cuttings
- Select a Healthy Stem
Choose a 4–6 inch long, non-flowering stem from the upper part of the plant. Make your cut just below a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors or pruners. - Prep the Cutting
Remove the lower leaves, keeping only a few at the top. This reduces moisture loss and focuses the plant’s energy on root formation. - Use Rooting Medium
Fill a small pot with a moist, well-draining medium like perlite, vermiculite, or a seed-starting mix. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone to speed up the process, though it’s optional. - Plant the Cutting
Insert the stem into the soil about halfway and gently press the soil around it for support. Mist lightly with water. - Create a Humid Environment
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to trap moisture and create greenhouse-like conditions. Place it in a bright, indirect light area—not direct sun. - Wait and Monitor
Check every few days to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In 2–3 weeks, you should see new leaf growth or feel resistance when you tug lightly—signs that roots are forming.
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How to Propagate Bee Balm from Seeds?
Growing bee balm from seeds is a rewarding process, especially if you’re starting a large pollinator garden. While it takes more time than other methods, it allows for greater variety and coverage.
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Press them lightly into seed-starting mix—don’t cover them, as bee balm seeds need light to germinate.
Keep the trays in a warm, bright spot and mist regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination usually occurs in 10–14 days.
Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. After hardening them off, you can move them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
How Do You Take Care of Bee Balm?
After successfully propagating bee balm—whether through division, cuttings, or seeds—it’s important to provide the right care to help your young plants thrive. These early weeks and months are crucial for root development, healthy growth, and eventual flowering.
1. Watering Needs
Newly propagated bee balm plants need consistent moisture to establish strong roots. Water deeply but avoid waterlogging the soil. For divisions and cuttings, keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks.
Seedlings need lighter, more frequent watering—just enough to prevent the top layer from drying out. Once established, bee balm becomes more drought-tolerant, but consistent watering still encourages better blooming.
2. Sunlight and Placement
Bee balm thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
However, if you’re transplanting young cuttings or seedlings, give them partial shade during the hottest part of the day for the first week to prevent shock. Once they’ve adjusted, move or gradually expose them to full sun.
3. Soil and Fertilization
Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If your garden soil is poor or heavy, mix in compost or aged manure before planting.
While bee balm isn’t a heavy feeder, you can apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to support lush growth and blooms—especially for younger plants.
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4. Mulching and Weed Control
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Keep the mulch a couple of inches away from the stem to prevent rot. This step is especially helpful for young divisions and seedlings, which can be sensitive to competition from weeds.
5. Pruning and Deadheading
As the plant grows, remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming. Pinch back new stems early in the season to promote bushier growth. In late fall, cut back the stems to about 2–3 inches above the ground, especially if you propagated the plant earlier that year—it helps conserve energy and prepares the plant for the next growing season.
6. Monitor for Pests and Disease
New bee balm plants can be more vulnerable to issues like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions or if airflow is limited. Space your plants properly and avoid overhead watering.
If mildew appears, remove affected leaves and use an organic fungicide if necessary. Also, keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites—spraying with neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control them.
7. Support and Spacing
As bee balm matures, especially taller varieties, they may benefit from staking or light support to prevent flopping. Be sure to space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation, which not only promotes healthy growth but also reduces disease risk.
With proper aftercare, your propagated bee balm plants will flourish—rewarding you with lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and a steady parade of pollinators throughout the summer. Care in these early stages sets the foundation for seasons of healthy, colorful growth.
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How big does bee balm get?
Bee balm typically grows between 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads about 18 to 36 inches wide, depending on the variety. It forms clumps that gradually expand over time through underground rhizomes.
How much sun does bee balm need?
Bee balm thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best flowering. In hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help prevent wilting or leaf scorch.
How do you care for Monarda (Bee Balm)?
To care for bee balm, plant it in rich, well-drained soil, water regularly to keep the soil moist (especially during dry spells), and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Space plants well to improve airflow and reduce the risk of powdery mildew, and divide every 2–3 years to keep them vigorous.
Conclusion
Propagating bee balm through division, cuttings, or seeds is an easy, cost-effective way to grow this pollinator-friendly plant. With proper care—like watering, sunlight, and spacing—new plants establish quickly. Regular propagation every few years keeps bee balm healthy, vibrant, and blooming beautifully in your garden.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
