If you think Bee Balm (Monarda) only comes in bright red and towering stems, it’s time to take a second look. This North American native has undergone a colorful transformation in recent years, and today’s cultivars offer an array of hues and sizes to suit every garden style. From dainty pinks to pristine whites—and with improved resistance to disease and flopping—modern Bee Balm varieties are more versatile and rewarding than ever.
A Rainbow in Bloom
While the classic red Monarda didyma remains a beloved staple for attracting hummingbirds, breeders have expanded the palette to include shades as soft or striking as any perennial bed demands. For soft elegance, try Monarda ‘Pardon My Pink’, a dwarf pink variety perfect for border edges. It is available in other colors. If bold and regal is your style, Monarda ‘Balmy Purple’ delivers saturated purple blooms in a compact form.
Prefer something more unexpected? Monarda ‘Coral Reef’ offers a luminous salmon-pink hue, while Monarda ‘Snow White’ delivers a fresh, clean look that pairs beautifully with blues and silvers. With so many options, gardeners can create stunning color echoes or contrast-rich plantings throughout summer.
From Towering to Tidy
Older Bee Balm varieties often reached 3 to 4 feet tall and were known for their tendency to flop after heavy rain or bloom. While their wild charm appealed to some, many gardeners longed for something neater, and plant breeders listened.
The new wave of compact Bee Balm cultivars brings the same showy flowers in a smaller, more manageable size. The Balmy™ Series, including Balmy Rose, Balmy Purple, and Balmy Lilac, tops out at just 12–15 inches and performs beautifully in containers or the front of borders. Leading Lady™ Plum and its relatives stay under 14 inches and are among the earliest to bloom.
These low-growing varieties not only maintain a tidy profile but also resist the wind-blown flopping that plagued their taller cousins. For small gardens or layered plantings, they’re a game-changer.
Powdery Mildew No More
One of the most common complaints about Bee Balm has been its susceptibility to powdery mildew—a white fungal coating that appears in humid conditions and mars foliage by midsummer. Thankfully, newer cultivars have been bred specifically for mildew resistance, ensuring your plants stay healthy and vibrant all season long.
Top performers include Monarda ‘Purple Rooster’, known for its deep eggplant-purple blooms and excellent resistance, and Monarda ‘Marshall’s Delight’, a clear pink variety that holds up well even in muggy summers. Proper spacing, morning watering, and good air circulation will also help minimize risk.
A Modern Garden Favorite
Bee Balm has come a long way from its meadow origins. With improved color selection, compact growth habits, and increased disease resistance, today’s varieties offer all the charm of the original plant without the hassle. Whether you’re planting a pollinator garden, refreshing a border, or just want to add a splash of summer color, there’s a Bee Balm to suit your space, and it doesn’t have to be red.
Photo Information:
Upscale Red Velvet photo courtesy of Proven Winners (first photo).
Pardon My Pink photo courtesy of Proven Winners.
Balmy Purple photo courtesy of Ball Horticulture Company.
Snow White photo courtesy of Ball Horticulture Company.
Coral Reef photo courtesy of Burpee.
Balmy Rose, Balmy Lilac, and Balmy Pink photos courtesy of Ball Horticulture Company.
Leading Lady Plum photo courtesy of Proven Winners.
Purple Rooster photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Marshall's Delight photo courtesy of Ball Horticulture.
