the height to 2 1/2 ft. The number of
flowers may be slightly less on plants
pruned twice. This pruning can foster
fresh flowers of beebalm into
mid-August, rather than being
finished at the end of July. Perhaps
even more important is that the delay
in flowering also means a delay in
foliage decline. Since the foliage
normally declines after flowering,
plants that flower earlier also have
tatty foliage earlier than plants that
flower later. Thinning stems of
beebalm can help reduce the incidence
of powdery mildew.
other maintenance Beebalms
are wide-spreading plants due to
rhizomes that can fill a 4 ft. × 4 ft. area.
They are easily pulled out, but it is
better to plant them singularly ratherthan in groups in most gardens. Many
are highly prone to mildew. Select
resistant cultivars for best perfor-
mance (see below), although even
these can develop some infection in
years when the conditions are
favorable for mildew. Provide good air
circulation and avoid overly dry soil.
Divide plants every 2–3 years to control
spread and to keep them strong.
Division also prevents a hole from
developing in the center of the clump.
related plantS The following
Monarda didyma cultivars are resistant
to powdery mildew: ‘Gardenview
Scarlet’(red), ‘Jacob Cline’(red),
‘Marshall’s Delight’ (pink), ‘Petite
Delight’ (dwarf pink), ‘Purple Rooster’
(purple), and ‘Raspberry Wine’
(purplish red).Monarda didyma