Monarda citriodora
Monarda spp
There are many species of bee balm, but in this post we’ll be referring primarily to Monarda citriodora. This is a variety that grows wild in Central Texas and in abundance in our backyard. It's the one we have the most personal experience with.
Monarda is a hardy Central Texas plant ally that you’ll see growing happily along the roadsides in the heat of the summer with no maintenance or care. That alone is impressive. But then considering bee balm's many benefits for the body and the garden ecosystem, it’s easy to see why this is one of our favorite Central Texas wildflowers. The bees agree that it’s pretty fabulous! And the firework-looking pom poms with tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and hawk moths as well.
Growing Bee Balm in Central Texas
Bee Balm grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. However, it pops up readily in our backyard prairie area and we find that it does not need our help to thrive (even during drought conditions and in heavy clay soil.)
Bee balm is a great plant to consider for a front yard "hellstrip," the little area between a sidewalk and a curb. It can be planted from seed or little plant starts purchased from a nursery, and it'll be a beautiful presence without needing much from you.
Bee balm can also be grown in a more cultivated garden situation as well, making a nice companion plant to tomatoes.
Once established, bee balm will easily self-seed. You can collect the dried seed heads and help spread the seeds around too. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Benefits of Bee Balm in the Garden Ecosystem
Beyond its magical presence and beauty, monarda contributes to the biodiversity in your garden and plays an important role in the ecosystem. Its aromatic flowers attract pollinators, especially bees, hence monarda's common name, "bee balm."
As a member of the mint family, bee balm's spreading habit also acts as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and protecting the soil from the harsh Texan sun. And bee balm’s strong volatile oils make it unappealing to deer along with many other pests.
Working with Bee Balm
Think “wild oregano.” The leaves and flowers of bee balm have similar chemical constituents as oregano and can be worked with similarly. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, and a helpful ally to turn to at the onset of a cold or flu or when there is an infection of some sort to fight off. Bee balm is also an expectorant, helping to expel coughs. We often turn to bee balm when we feel a sore throat or sinus infection coming on.
We like including bee balm in sinus steams, baths, infused honeys and vinegars. It is strong as a tea, but we find it to be quite helpful that way when needed.
Propagating Bee Balm
Encourage bee balm to thrive by allowing it to self-seed . It’s also easy to collect seeds to spread in the fall and start in containers to transplant out to the garden. Like basil, the seeds are tiny and need a bit of light to germinate, so just press them into the surface of the soil. Don't bury them.
If you plan to work with a plant like bee balm, there are a number of reasons why you wouldn’t want to harvest from the road sides. Leave those plants to build soil and feed the bees. We always recommend cultivating your own plants and forming a relationship with them.