In the dynamic world of gardening, cultivating a harmonious ecosystem is a key to achieve beautiful landscape green. By that mean, bee balm can be an awesome selection for your garden. But what will be the companion for the bee balm? Today we will explore the best and worst companion of bee balm.
Bee balm
Let’s get introduced with our colorful, adaptable wildflower bee balm which is also known as bergamot by its botanical name Monarda. It is a North American native that flourish in woodland areas. This perennial plant is open, daisy-like shaped with tubular petals in the shade of red, pink and purple. This beautiful plant is mainly attracted by the bees, butterflies and hummingbird. There are many types of bee balm. Among them Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa are the common species to the growers.
Why should you plant bee balm?
Bee balms do not only increase the view of the landscape but also it come to many uses in our daily life. Many choose to grow bee balm as an ornamental, but this beautiful plant is rich in nectar which makes it high pollinator plant which attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Moreover, it helps to boost to the plants planted near it. Also, it is a useful herb which is used to treat many ailments along with flavoring soups, salads and other dishes.
Incompatible plants for bee balm
Similarly, to any crowd, there are some plants just don’t get along with bee balms. The plants which are tend to take over the gardens space are not perfect as companion for the bee balm as they prevent the bee balm to grow healthily. Also the plants which grow tall and cast a lot of shade and block the sun are also not the perfect company for the bee balm as bee balm loves to get the full time sun. So the plants which invades both the space and sun are not compatible around bee balm.
Best companion for the bee balm.
Bee balm can be an ideal companion for the vegetable and flower garden. It attracts many beneficial insects which helps in pollination and repels some pests. Being tall and showy bloom, you can pair it with other tall flowers, herbs and grasses. Choosing plants which can hold its aggressive nature against it will help to establish a colorful garden in your lawn or nursery rather ending up with a mono crop bee balm. The herbs and flowers which can be the best companion for the bee balm are listed below:
1. Black eyed Susan
Being a daisy like flower, black eyed Susan will pair perfectly with bee balm as both of them share same growing requirements which are moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil and full sun. Also its golden yellow petals and dark center creates a cheerful display with red or purple bee balm in the garden.
2. Squash
If squash bugs attack in your summer vegetable garden, then bee balm can be excellent companion to plant nearby. Bee balm repels the bugs and keeps the garden safe from pests and bugs which is harmful for your vegetables. Bee balms also attract the bees and other beneficial insects which helps its companion to set fruit and pollination.
3. Daisy
Daisies, which comes from Asteraceae family, makes a perfect companion for the bee balm. White or yellow daisy with yellow centered disk draws a magnificent landscape with purple bee balm. Both of them attract the bees, butterflies and hummingbird which aid in pollinating and establish a healthy ecosystem. Moreover, its deep root spread enhance the structure the soil fertility and provide nutrients and water to the bee balm. Furthermore, it is beneficial in repelling insects and beautify the gardens view.
4. Coneflower
Coneflower is also known as Echinacea also belongs from Asteraceae family share similar growing requirements and heights as bee balm. Like bee balm, coneflower also draw attention to the insects which helps in pollination like bees and butterflies. Moreover, coneflowers are vulnerable to aphids and bee balm brings the ladybug which feast on the aphids and other pests which cause damage to the plants. Furthermore, coneflower helps to increase the visual appeal along with the bee balms plants
5. Lavender
Lavender can be a great companion for the bee balm in your garden as it not only attracts the pollinators but also helps in repelling pests like mosquito and moths. Plus, the fragrance of both lavender and bee balm creates a sooth aroma around your lawn. Also being the backbone of fully stocked herb, it looks lovely behind lower growing bee balm and its vivid flowers
6. Basil
Basil is an annual herb which is rich in pollination, needs moist soil and full sun experience just like the bee balm. As it helps in fruit formation for all kinds of vegetables planted in your garden. Moreover, as it will enhance your garden view, so you can also use it in your daily food routine. Basil is highly rich in Vitamin K and antioxidants which gives its leaves the aroma and flavor. So, pairing the bee balm with basil can be the best decision as it enhances the garden view along with many health and garden benefits.
7. Butterfly weed
Just like the name, the herb is a magnet for the butterflies. You can pair this herb with your bee balm in your garden to increase the pollinations. Bee balm and the butterfly weed both will help your gardens other plant in pollinations as they invite the bees, butterflies and hummingbird which will help your other herbs in breeding and fruit formations.
8. Roses
You can beautify your garden more romantic and outstanding by pairing the bee balm with lovely romantic roses. Rose is a romantic flower which attracts the bees’ butterflies and other high pollinators which helps in breeding. You can plant these roses in front of the bee balm as bee balm is a tall herb. So, be sure to plant beautiful roses in front of the bee balm or else bee balm will cover the roses and will become a red flag as a companion.
If you are planning to plant bee balm in your garden and beautify it and don’t forget to plant bee balm along with its best companion. With all the herbs mentioned above you can grow a very beautiful flower garden, attracts many insects like butterflies also some birds like hummingbirds which increase the natural view and gives a sooth environment.