What Not to Plant With Bee Balm: Expert advice for a thriving garden ecosystem
What Not to Plant With Bee Balm?
Bee balm should not be planted with aggressive spreaders like mint and bamboo.
It may also be stunted in growth if planted with plants that cast a lot of shade, such as sunflowers or large shrubs.
Bee balm can be affected by powdery mildew, so it should not be planted next to delphinium or phlox which are common hosts for this disease.
Lettuce, which attracts slugs, should also not be planted near bee balm.
Furthermore, zinnias, which commonly suffer from powdery mildew, are not recommended as companion plants for bee balm.
Key Points:
- Bee balm should not be planted with aggressive spreaders like mint and bamboo
- Bee balm may be stunted in growth if planted with plants that cast a lot of shade, such as sunflowers or large shrubs
- Bee balm should not be planted next to delphinium or phlox, which are common hosts for powdery mildew
- Lettuce, which attracts slugs, should not be planted near bee balm
- Zinnias, which commonly suffer from powdery mildew, are not recommended as companion plants for bee balm
Did You Know?
1. Bee balm, also known as Monarda, can be a great addition to your garden, but did you know that it should not be planted alongside tomatoes? Soilborne diseases that affect tomatoes, such as verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt, can easily spread to the roots of bee balm plants.
2. Certain plants, like beans, prefer a different soil pH than bee balm. If you have bee balm in your garden, avoid planting beans nearby as they thrive in a slightly acidic soil, while bee balm prefers a more alkaline soil.
3. While many gardeners love the vibrant colors of bee balms, it is interesting to note that certain colors attract different types of pollinators. Red and pink varieties tend to attract hummingbirds, while lavender and purple varieties are more attractive to bees and butterflies.
4. Growing bee balm alongside mint may sound like a good idea, but in reality, it’s not advisable. Mint plants, including spearmint or peppermint, tend to be invasive and can quickly take over the garden bed, overpowering the bee balm and suppressing its growth.
5. Did you know that bee balm has a long history of medicinal use? Native Americans traditionally used it to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, colds, and even bee stings. The plant contains essential oils that have antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a valuable herb beyond its aesthetic appeal.
Avoid Aggressive Spreaders
When planning your garden, it’s important to consider the growth habits of the plants you choose. Some plants, like mint and bamboo, are notorious for their aggressive spreading tendencies. While these plants may have their merits in other settings, when planted with bee balm, they can quickly overrun and choke out this beautiful flowering herb.
Bee balm (Monarda), also known as bergamot or Oswego tea, is a native North American perennial that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden with its vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage. It thrives best in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Its height can range from 2 to 4 feet, depending on the variety, so it is best to plant it in an area where it has enough space to grow without being outcompeted by aggressive spreaders.
By avoiding planting bee balm with plants that are known to dominate and spread quickly, you can ensure that your bee balm has the space it needs to flourish and add beauty to your garden.
Key points:
- Consider the growth habits of plants when planning your garden.
- Mint and bamboo are aggressive spreaders and can choke out bee balm.
- Bee balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- It thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Plant bee balm in an area with enough space for it to grow without competition.
Beware Of Plants That Cause Shade
Proper sunlight exposure is essential for the healthy growth of any plant, and bee balm is no exception. While some plants, like sunflowers or large shrubs, may be appealing to include in your garden, their tall stature and dense foliage can cast a lot of shade, potentially hampering the growth of bee balm.
Bee balm thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When it doesn’t receive enough sunlight, its growth can be stunted, affecting its blooming potential and overall vitality. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting bee balm in the shadow of taller plants that have the potential to obstruct the sun’s rays.
By selecting companion plants that allow adequate sunlight to reach your bee balm, you can ensure its vitality and optimize your garden’s overall aesthetic appeal.
Watch Out For Powdery Mildew Hosts
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can plague many plants, including bee balm. It appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems, detracting from the plant’s beauty and potentially compromising its health.
One plant that is a known host for powdery mildew is delphinium. While these tall, majestic perennial plants can be stunning additions to any garden, their susceptibility to the disease is a cause for concern when planting them alongside bee balm. The close proximity of delphiniums to bee balm increases the risk of powdery mildew spreading to the bee balm, jeopardizing its health and long-term survival.
To maintain a healthy bee balm plant, it is wise to avoid planting it near delphiniums or any other known hosts of powdery mildew.
- Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease
- It appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems
- Bee balm is susceptible to powdery mildew
- Delphiniums are known hosts of powdery mildew
- Planting bee balm near delphiniums increases the risk of powdery mildew spread
- To maintain a healthy bee balm plant, avoid planting it near delphiniums or other hosts of powdery mildew
“To maintain a healthy bee balm plant, it is wise to avoid planting it near delphiniums or any other known hosts of powdery mildew.”
Slugs Love Lettuce
Although it may be tempting to mix edible plants with ornamental plants, it’s important to consider the potential risks involved. Lettuce, a delicious leafy vegetable enjoyed by many, has a problematic association with slugs. These slimy creatures find lettuce particularly appetizing, and once present in your garden, they can be challenging to control.
Slugs can easily move between vegetable beds and young bee balm plants, feasting on the tender foliage and causing significant damage. As a result, it is advisable to keep lettuce and bee balm planted separately to minimize the risk of attracting slugs to your valuable bee balm plants.
- Mixing edible plants with ornamental plants can pose risks.
- Lettuce is particularly attractive to slugs.
- Slugs can cause damage to bee balm plants.
- Keep lettuce and bee balm planted separately to avoid attracting slugs.
“Although it may be tempting to mix edible plants with ornamental plants, it’s important to consider the potential risks involved.”
Incompatible Plants: Phlox And Bee Balm
Phlox and bee balm are both eye-catching flowering perennials that can add vibrant colors and a delightful fragrance to your garden. However, they share an unfortunate vulnerability to powdery mildew, which can make them incompatible planting companions.
Both phlox and bee balm are prone to this fungal disease, and when planted in close proximity, the risk of powdery mildew spreading between the two plants increases significantly. This can lead to disfigured leaves, hindered growth, and overall diminished visual appeal for both plants.
To keep your garden looking its best and to prevent the spread of powdery mildew, it is recommended to keep phlox and bee balm at a distance from each other. This will create a healthy environment for both plants, reducing the risk of disease and enhancing the overall beauty of your garden.
to create a thriving garden ecosystem with bee balm as a prominent feature, it is crucial to avoid planting aggressive spreaders like mint and bamboo, as well as plants that cast too much shade, such as sunflowers or large shrubs. Additionally, it is wise to steer clear of powdery mildew hosts like delphinium, incompatible plants like phlox, and even edible plants like lettuce that can attract slugs. By carefully selecting companions for your bee balm, you can ensure its health, beauty, and overall success in your garden for years to come.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to plant bee balm?
The best place to plant bee balm would be in a location that receives ample sunlight, but also offers partial shade throughout the day. Additionally, the soil should be well-draining and consistently moist, although bee balm can adapt to periods of dryness once it is established. Considering bee balm’s hardiness to extreme temperatures, it can be planted in areas with cold climates, enduring temperatures as low as -20°C.
What are the best growing conditions for bee balm?
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, flourishes in environments with ample moisture and good drainage, preferably in areas exposed to full sunlight. The optimum conditions for its growth include a minimum of six hours of daily sun exposure. Although bee balm can tolerate partial shade, it is important to note that it may result in reduced flower production and increased vulnerability to powdery mildew. To ensure the healthiest and most vibrant growth of bee balm, providing it with well-draining soil and ample direct sunlight is essential.
What diseases do bee balm plants get?
Bee balm plants are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and erysiphe. Powdery mildew manifests as white powdery spots or patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. This fungal infection can hinder the plant’s growth and overall health. Similarly, erysiphe, another fungal disease, also causes white powdery spots on the leaves and stems of bee balm plants. These diseases can potentially affect the vitality and aesthetic appeal of the plant if left untreated.
Can bee balm be grown in containers?
Yes, bee balm can thrive in containers, making it a versatile plant for both gardeners with limited space and those seeking to attract pollinators to their outdoor areas. By selecting a large container, around 5 to 10 gallons, and providing ample sunlight, bee balm can flourish in these confined spaces. Ensure you use a high-quality potting mix, enriched with compost, and place the plant at the center of the container. Regular watering whenever the top inch of the soil becomes dry will help maintain optimal growth.