Spoiler Alert: It’s Edible, Native and Pollinator Friendly
Bee Balm is brand new in my garden—and QUICKLY becoming a favorite.
From its vibrant blooms to its kitchen uses and pollinator perks, bee balm is a total win. 🐝🦋
In this post, I’ll tell you:
- Why I added Bee Balm
- How I’m growing it
- What I plan to do with it (SPOILER: It’s edible!) 🍵🥗
Let’s get into it!
What’s Bee Balm? And Why I Love It
I think it was love at first sight for me and Bee Balm.
I walked into the store and BAM–the bright, bold, blooms stole my attention and affection.
But I’m always looking for plants that do more than just look pretty.
Planting with purpose is my goal—and that’s EXACTLY why Bee Balm made the cut. 🌼✨
Also known as Monarda, Bee Balm is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and native to North America.
Even better? The flowers and leaves are edible! You can use them in teas, toss them in salads, or dry them out. 🫖🥗✨
Here’s why Bee Balm checks all my boxes for planting with purpose:
✅ Gorgeous flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white
✅ Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
✅ Native to North America (which means lower maintenance!)
✅ Perennial—it comes back every year
✅ Edible and useful in the kitchen
Benefits of Native Plants 🌱
Let’s talk about native plants real quick.
Native plants are the OGs of the land—originating here (North America) long before settlers and modern landscaping trends.
Because of that, they’re adapted to local conditions, easier to grow, more resilient, and way less needy than non-native plants.
That means . . .
Less watering.
Less pest control.
Less babying.
More beauty.
More benefits.
What’s even better?
Native plants like Bee Balm keep things working the way it’s supposed to in nature—especially by giving pollinators a safe place to land, live, and eat.
It’s easy to love a plant that gives back.
That’s what PLANTING WITH PURPOSE is all about. 🐝🦋
Helping the Helpers: Pollinators Matter
Pollinators help grow the food we eat and the flowers we love.
They are the quiet heroes of our garden–helping plants grow, produce fruit, and thrive. But more and more, these little helpers need a little help from us.
Pollinators are losing their habitats to things like:
⚫ City growth
⚫ Pesticides
⚫ Weather shifts
That’s why native plants matter—they give pollinators food, rest, and refuge.
So, when you grow Bee Balm, you’re not just adding beauty to your space…
You’re helping our little helpers. And whether you realize it or not—You’re planting with purpose and doing something good for the planet. 🌍✨
How I’m Growing My Bee Balm
I added Bee Balm to a brand-new garden bed last year in 2024.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far . . .
✅ Soil
- Bee Balm loves moist, well-draining soil
- Dry or boggy soil = stressed-out plant, increased risk of disease 😩
✅ Sunlight
- Needs at least 6 hours of sun daily
- More sun = more blooms 🌞
✅ Spacing + Airflow
- Thin out crowded plants to increase airflow, reduce powdery mildew risk
- Bonus: Some varieties are mildew-resistant! 🥳
✅ Growth Habit
- It’s bushy and comes back every year! 🙌🏽
- Divide it every 2-3 years to keep it thriving without getting wild and taking over
✅ Zones + Quick Facts
- Hardiness zones: 3–9
- Bloom time: As early as spring to late summer
- Colors: Shades of red, pink, purple, white
- Critter friendly? It’s deer and rabbit-resistant 👏🏽
You should also know . . .
❌ NO overhead watering (it welcomes powdery mildew)
❌ It self-seeds and spreads through rhizomes (underground stems)
How I’m Using Bee Balm
Besides staring at it in admiration?
😍 I’ve got plans for my bee balm, like . . .
✨ Attract all the pollinators
✨ Make herbal teas
✨ Sprinkle blooms in salads
✨ Dry it for later
It’s pretty, purposeful, and packed with perks. 👆
Final Thoughts: Bee Balm, a Win-Win
When you grow plants that help pollinators, you’re helping the helpers.
And when you choose native plants like Bee Balm or something else . . .
You’re not just gardening—you’re planting with purpose.
So, if you want a plant that:
- Offers extraordinary blooms
- Attracts and feeds pollinators
- Thrives in your space
- Gives back in the kitchen . . .
Bee Balm is it.
Low-maintenance. High-impact. A win-win.
Your Turn to Talk
I got this beauty at Pike Nursery in Matthews, NC 🌸
Where do you find your garden treasures?
Drop your favorite local nursery or plant shop in the comments—I’d LOVE to hear about it!
➡️ Related Read: Want to make your garden more magical and functionable?
Check out How I Built a Garden Path on a Budget for tips you can try today!
👋🏽 Hi, I’m LOLA ⸻ the creator of offbeat life advice brand, The Smoking Prophet, owner of a growing content agency, and cultivator of life (family first)!
Most days, you can find me at my desk, in my garden, or on the go. My super-social family keeps me on my toes!
Follow The Smoking Prophet to ignite your creativity, grow spiritually, and blaze your own trail online!
0 Comments