Description of Monarda didyma 'Bee-Lieve'

Monarda didyma 'Bee-Lieve' is a bee balm with bright summer flowers and scented leaves. It suits moist soil and brings a lot of pollinator activity. It is best on the upper edge of a bog garden rather than in the saturated centre.

Appearance

It forms upright stems with aromatic leaves. Flower heads appear in summer and sit above the foliage. Height is usually mid-range for monarda, often around 60 to 90cm depending on soil and moisture.

Care Guide

It likes damp soil, sun, and airflow. Crowded clumps tend to look tired quicker.

• Sun: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil with organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist through summer.
• Spacing: Give plants room so air can move through stems.
• Cut back: Deadhead for more flowers, then cut down in autumn or late winter.

Divide in spring to refresh clumps and keep flowering strong. New divisions also help reduce congestion.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens as a summer flower plant for the upper edge and nearby damp borders. It looks best in groups and it works well near paths where you catch the scent from the leaves.

Pair it with sedges and loosestrife so you get different flower shapes and a longer season.

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