Bee balm and wild Indian nettle transform the summer garden into a sea of blossoms with elegance and an intoxicating fragrance. In order for the secret queen of herbs, spices, tea and aromatic plants to hold court in your perennial border, no horticultural pull-ups are necessary. The following answers clarify open questions about cultivation.
Plant Indian nettle correctly
Since the sociable bee balm likes to surround itself with conspecifics, you should preferably plant the perennial in small groups of 3-5 specimens. To do this, dig small pits at a distance of 35-45 cm, which offer enough space for a root ball. Meanwhile, the potted root ball sits in water until no more air bubbles rise. The further process of professional planting is as follows:
- Enrich the excavated soil with horn shavings, compost and leaf soil
- Line the planting hole with nettle leaves to place the potted Indian nettle to place
- Fill up with the substrate so that the previous planting depth is maintained
Finally, water and spread a layer of mulch with organic materials.
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care tips
Since the bee balm has a natural stability, there is no need for a support at the sheltered location. The aroma perennial is just as uncomplicated in terms of its care program. All essential aspects at a glance:
- An organic boost fertilization with compost and horn shavings in March/April
- Water regularly when dry, directly on the root disc
- Clean out faded and withered plants as soon as possible for a vital rebloom
- Complete pruning in autumn or late winter
In the first few years as well as in locations with harsh winter conditions, bee balm receives a light winter protection from leaves, brushwood or compost.
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Which location is suitable?
In order to bring out its diverse talents as a cut, ornamental and scented flower, the bee balm grabs every ray of sunshine it can get hold of. Treat the multi-faceted perennial to a sunny to full sun, sheltered from the wind, in fresh, moist soil that is nutritious and humus-rich. In order to signal its willingness to compromise, the Indian nettle also tolerates a place in the light shade if it is well cared for.
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The right planting distance
The cleverly chosen planting distance not only makes an important contribution to the visual appearance. At the same time, with the appropriate distance, you prevent lethal fungal infections, such as mildew, effective before. Therefore, place bee balm at a distance of 35-45 cm from each other so that the leaves can dry quickly after a summer downpour.
What soil does the plant need?
The rhizome of a bee balm produces the fragrant leaves and pretty feathery flowers in the splendor hoped for when the soil is like this:
- Deeply loose, humus and rich in nutrients for bee balm
- Slightly damp, without risk of waterlogging
- Preferably a neutral pH around 7
- Sandy, lean and a bit drier for the wild Indian nettle
Since mostly hybrids as a cross between bee balm (Monarda didyma) and Indian nettle (Monarda fistulosa) are offered in the trade, in principle any good one is recommended garden floor as a suitable home for the rhizome. As long as there is no waterlogging or desert-like drought, the perennial will show itself at its best.
When is flowering time?
The central flowering period of bee balm and Indian nettle extends over the months of July and August. Of course, knowledgeable breeders keep producing new varieties that start with the blossom festival in June and last until September. As a gardener, you also have the opportunity to extend the flowering period with a simple care measure. If the withered flowers are cleaned regularly, floral successors are immediately on the spot.
Cut Indian nettle correctly
In the cultivation of bee balm, Indian nettle and their hybrids, the secateurs as the most important tool in cultivation. To use the aromatic leaves in the kitchen, as a tea or syrup, cut them in the early morning hours during the flowering period. On this occasion, withered buds are brushed off immediately for a neat appearance and a long flowering period. In autumn or early spring, cut the perennial close to the ground to make room for the next shoot.
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Water Indian nettle
Dry soil is not to the taste of bee balm at all. Therefore, water the perennial regularly if the natural rainfall is not sufficient. The same applies to the hybrids of bee balm and Indian nettle. Only the wild species of Monarda fistulosa can cope with short-term drought. It is important to note that the ornamental perennials are always watered directly onto the root disk. Overhead irrigation triggers the ubiquitous fungal infection, powdery mildew.
Fertilize Indian nettle properly
The bee balm gladly accepts an organic starter fertilization with compost and horn shavings in spring. bark humus or guano also ensure the supply of nutrients for the new season. In addition, a layer of mulch made of leaves, grass clippings or bark mulch helps to maintain vital soil life.
Diseases
Mildew, the sword of Damocles, is constantly hovering over a bee balm and Indian nettle. The ubiquitous fungal infection often targets the lamiaceae with their magnificent foliage. The cunning fungal spores strike mercilessly in summer droughts, fluctuating temperatures and overhead rain. A greyish-white, washable patina will quickly develop on the plant. You can take action against the disease with a simple, natural and effective home remedy. In 1 liter of water mix 125 ml of fresh milk and apply the mixture every 2-3 days.
hibernate
Native to North and Central America, biting frost could damage a young bee balm and Indian nettle. We therefore recommend light winter protection for the first 2 to 3 years in the bed. In the fall, after pruning the stems back to just above ground level, spread a thick layer of foliage or compost over the root disk.
Multiply Indian nettle
Gardening practice has proven that division is the best form of propagation of bee balm. This method is not only easy to implement, but also serves to rejuvenate the perennial. Here's how to do it:
- In the spring, dig up the rhizome and clear the soil
- Place on a stable surface to cut up the rootstock
- Plant the individual segments promptly at the new location in loose, humus-rich soil
As long as a section has at least 2 buds or shoots, it has the potential to become an adult bee balm. A consistent water supply in the first days and weeks creates the best conditions for this.
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How can bee balm be used?
Their magnificent appearance hides a variety of talents that a knowledgeable hobby gardener knows how to use. We have compiled interesting uses of a Indian nettle for you here:
- ornamental plant in perennial bed and fragrance garden
- Charming cut flower for the vase
- Leaves and flowers as medicinal herbs for various ailments
- As a thyme substitute in the kitchen
- Prepared into syrup for refreshing drinks
- Brewed into an aromatic tea for every occasion
- Dried in a bouquet or as a fragrant potpourri
Incidentally, shortly before the beginning of the flowering period, the valuable ingredients of bee balm are at their zenith. The further the flowering progresses, the more the taste takes on a slightly bitter note.
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Beautiful varieties
- Cardinal: An enchantingly beautiful variety whose purple flowers bloom from July to August Eye fall; Growth height 80-100 cm
- Gardenview Red: Majestic bee balm, whose deep red flowers set decorative focal points; Growth height 120-140 cm
- Snow Cloud: You can't go wrong in the perennial border with this pure white gem; Growth height 80-100 cm
- Marshall's Delight: The feathery, soft pink flowers complement beautifully with red and white varieties; Growth height 80-100 cm
- Cherokee: The mighty Indian nettle acts as an eye-catcher in the scented garden with whorls of pink flowers; Growth height 120-130 cm
