Rain Garden Plants: Bee Balm

Bee balm is a showy perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Individual scarlet-red tubular flowers appear in a 3- to 4-inch cluster atop a square stem. Opposite, ovate-shaped leaves have serrated margins. Leaves are dark green above and have a minty aroma. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Susceptible to powdery mildew.

• Height: 36 to 60 inches
• Bloom color: Red, pink
• Bloom time: June to July
• Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
• Salt tolerance: Not tolerant
• Spreading habit: Can colonize by rhizomes

Site Conditions

• Sun: Sun/partial shade
• Soil: Acidic (pH < 6.8), rich, moist
• Hydrologic zone: Moist

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.