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Bee balmattracts valuable pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
It also adds stunning splashes of pink, red, violet, and purple to a garden.
Though bee balm is a hardy plant, it’s best to avoid locating certain plants near it.
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you’re free to also help bee balm flourish by placing it near friendly companion plants.
So avoid planting shade-producing trees, shrubs, vines, or any other shady plant next to bee balm.
Mildew-Prone Plants
Avoid planting bee balm near plants that are prone to developing powdery mildew.
This fungus deposits gray or white powder on the bee balm’s leaves.
Besides avoiding other mildew-prone plants, plant bee balm at least two feet apart to help with air circulation.
Vegetables
Many vegetables are a poor choice for planting next to bee balm.
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots, too, are heavy-feeding vegetables that will weaken bee balm.
Herbs
Bee balm is part of the mint family.
As an ambitious spreader, bee balm competes with fellow mint plants for sun, water, and space.
These plants tend to be low-growing as well as slower growing, to avoid crowding the bee balm.
Good companion plants with bee balm won’t create shade over the bee balm, either.
Low-lying plants and shrubs grow well with bee balm.
Bee balm may choke out other plants.
While bee balm is technically non-invasive, it is considered to be an aggressive spreader.
It can spread rapidly thorugh its underground rhizome root system.
Do not plant bee balm under full shade.
Bee balm can grow in partial shade, but it grows best in full sun.
Bee balm also needs moist, well-draining soil.
So, avoid planting bee balm in overly dry or water-logged areas.
Give Your Vegetables a Mid-Season Boost.
The University of Vermont.
Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma L.) Plant Guide.
Natural Resources Conservation Service / U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Growing Bee Balm in the Home Garden.
Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
Growing Guide: Bee Balm.
