

Spray with a homemade insecticidal soap or neem oil to combat infestations. This will create spotting, discoloration, and misshapen foliage, ultimately causing plants to lose their leaves. These tiny pests feed on bee balm plants by sucking out fluid from the underside of leaves and petals. If an infestation gets out of control, you can apply a homemade solution of water and a few drops of dish soap. Regular weeding will also help regulate aphid populations. These small insects feed on plant foliage, sucking out the contents of cells and secreting honeydew, a sticky liquid that covers the leaves and can result in mold.Īphid populations can be reduced by planting herbs such as dill and basil nearby to attract beneficial predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings.

There are a few pests that like to feast on my bee balm, but it’s usually quite easy to control them. While this plant grows and thrives easily, there are just a few pests and diseases to keep an eye out for. This mildew resistant cultivar grows to 16 to 20 inches and will look lovely on garden borders and in containers, and attract plenty of buzzing pollinators.
#BEE BALM PLANT RED HOW TO#
How to Grow Bee Balmīee balm grows well in Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, and is best planted in full sun, though it will tolerate shade in hotter areas, and can benefit from afternoon shade in very warm climates, which will protect plants from heat and lengthen the flowering season. Read our full guide on bee balm propagation here. You can learn more about the proper technique for this method in our Complete Guide to Dividing Perennials.

Trim any broken or damaged stems, and then replant in garden beds or pots. Gently shake off loose soil, cut through thicker roots with pruning shears, and carefully pull sections apart, making sure that each division has enough roots attached to regrow, at least a few inches of root on each piece Perhaps the easiest way to plant bee balm is by division.Ĭarefully dig up any plants in spring that you wish to divide. Water well and place a plastic bag over each pot to retain moisture.Īs soon as the stems take root, in about two or three weeks, you can remove the bag and repot the cuttings in potting soil. Rooting hormone can help speed the process along, but it is not necessary. Place the stems in small pots with peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or any combination of these. Select new spring growth from the tips of stems and cut at least six inches, starting just below a set of leaves. Though a bit tricky, it is possible to propagate using cuttings. Seeds require light germination so there is no need to cover them. Remove the seeds from the fridge and broadcast out in the garden in the early spring, a few weeks before last frost.

Providing good air circulation to combat powdery mildew is important. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow it to dry out in summer. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer areas.
