In this way, a constant source of nectar and pollen is provided from spring through fall. This ensures that as one species fades, another begins to blossom. In order to provide the maximum benefit to pollinators, it is best to plan for a succession of blooms. Instead of reaching for pesticides/fungicides at the first sign of leaf damage, consider grabbing your magnifying glass or binoculars and observe what visitors are frequenting your amazing native plant! Keep in mind, many sprays will not only kill “pests”, but also harm pollinators like bees and butterflies that may visit treated plants. However, insects provide essential food for birds and other wildlife as part of a balanced, intricate food web. Some years they may be more affected by insects/disease than others. PLEASE NOTE: Like all native plants, Bee Balm is an important food source for many creatures. Cuba did a three year trial of the most popular ones and you can read about their top-performers here. However, there are many Bee Balm cultivars to choose from that have been bred for disease resistance. Straight natives are almost always preferred to cultivars for maximum genetic diversity and ecological benefits. You will still see the beautiful Bee Balm blossoms, but any unsightly foliage affected by powdery mildew can be partially hidden! Ideally, your front-of-the-border selection should be resistant to this foliar disease. Though the leaves become unsightly, it is rarely fatal and the plant will still bloom!Ĭonsider adding low-growing perennials in front of Monarda like some of the Companion Plants suggested below. Plants in the shade may be more severely affected. Avoid watering overhead, divide plants as needed to ensure adequate air flow, and keep soil moist. It affects a wide variety of deciduous plants. Monarda can be prone to powdery mildew, especially if stressed during extremely hot/dry summers. This fungus typically appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves and stems of affected plants. Green= Present and Not Rare, Yellow = Present and Rare, Gold = Not Present in State, Teal = Present and Exotic, Cross-Hatched = Questionable Presence Natural habitat includes sunny clearings, dry thickets, and woodland edges. Uses: Perennial Border, Cottage/Herb Garden, Rain Garden, Meadow, Pollinator Garden, Naturalize Moisture: Medium-Dry, Medium, Medium-Wet (Well Draining) Soil: Widely Adaptable- Clay, Loam, Sand, Acidic, Lime, Rich in Organic Matter Other Common Names: Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Fragrant Balm, Horsemint As an added bonus, the fragrant leaves offer a variety of herbal/medicinal uses. Adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, it is a pollinator magnet that is always buzzing with life. Also known as Wild Bergamot, this whimsical wildflower can quickly fill in a space in just a few seasons! That can be a solution to a problem or a problem in itself depending on your gardening objectives! Tube-shaped purple petals are the crowning glory of this native.
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