division, in the spring or autumn, to
maintain vigor. Subject to Japanese
beetles and a variety of other pests and
diseases in southern regions, although
it seems a bit more resistant in
northern gardens.
related plantS Althaea zebrina—
the nomenclature is unclear about this
plant, but this is the name under
which it is sold. Plants should be
pinched in early spring as for upright
hollyhock mallow to reduce flopping.
Deadheading is critical to reduce
prolific seeding, but it is a tedious job
as new flowers are produced all along
the stem close to where dead flowers
are located. Sharp pruning scissors are
needed. Better still, cut all old flower-
ing stems down to about 8–10 in. after
most of the initial flowering is finished
but before seeds drop. Young or
vigorously growing plants cut back in
this way will regrow to approximately
full size and will rebloom as in the first
bloom period, flowering into
mid-October. If you get lazy in this
next bloom period and forget to
deadhead, numerous seedlings in the
spring will serve as a painful reminder.Monarda didyma
beebalm
lamiaceae
Red, pink, purple, or white flowers on
square stems; aromatic leaves
1–4 ft. high; 2–4 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–July
Zones 4–9
pruning Deadheading can prolong
bloom, particularly on young or
vigorously growing plants; older
plants may not produce much
rebloom, if any, with deadheading.
Seeding may occur if plants aren’t
deadheaded, although in most cases
this is minimal. Deadhead back to
lateral flower buds. The plants may be
infected with mildew after flowering is
finished, and the foliage may become
unsightly. If this is the case, cut down
to the new clean foliage developing at
the base of the plants. The new foliage
usually will stay low, about 6–8 in., for
the rest of the season. Discard diseased
foliage, and do not compost.
Cutting back once or twice before
flowering encourages more compact
growth and delayed flowering. Plants
cut back by half in early May when
approximately 12 in. tall flower about
1 1/2–2 weeks later than unpruned
plants and at 3 ft. rather than 3 1/2 ft. If
plants pruned in early May start to
look spindly by mid-May, cutting them
back again by about a third can delay
flowering by about 3 weeks and reduce