Monarda Ice Out Bee Balm is a showy native wildflower that grows up to 36 to 48 inches tall, blooming in midsummer with clusters of tubular, cool-white flowers. Perched on square stems and surrounded by mint-scented leaves, the blooms emit a citrusy aroma and produce nectar that attracts bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, adding a delightful flavor to teas, desserts, and other recipes.
A member of the Monarda didyma family, also known as bee balm or bergamot, Ice Out is a long-lived perennial (Zones 4-10) with a vigorous, upright growth habit. It spreads readily through rhizomes and self-seeding, forming a thriving colony over time. Perfect for planting near water features, in butterfly gardens, or as part of a cottage garden, it also works beautifully as a border plant or in containers.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers rich, moisture-retentive soils. Afternoon shade can be beneficial in warm climates. Keep soil consistently moist, using mulch to conserve water and regulate temperature. Deadheading blooms will encourage extended flowering while controlling self-seeding. Deer-resistant and hardy, Ice Out bee balm is a reliable addition to any garden.
Plant Ice Out Bee Balm roots in spring, spacing them 18 inches apart and burying them 1½ to 2 inches deep.
Native to eastern North America, bee balm is environmentally friendly, thriving without the need for excessive watering or fertilizers. By supporting pollinators and deterring pests naturally, it reduces the need for pesticides and promotes a vibrant, biodiverse garden filled with life.
