Wildflower Seeds: Bee Balm (Monarda) Native Flowers

Bee balm prairie flowers are the ultimate choice in native wildflowers. They are favorites of butterflies. Perhaps this is because of the shape of their blossoms. Butterflies find it easiest to land on prairie flowers that have some flat spots. Bee Balm offers both landing places and rich sources of nectar. Hummingbirds enjoy the red varieties of Bee Balm, too.

The scientific name for Bee Balm is Monarda. There are several variations- Monarda fistulosa, Monarda punctata, and others. Bee balm is also sometimes called Bergamot.  Most prairie flowers are best identified by their scientific names, if a gardener wants to be sure of planting the native species. Either way, though, any Monarda is a great addition to the garden.

Monarda, or Bee Balm, prairie flowers come in all colors. Shades range from light lavender through deep ochre red. Each type of bee Balm has its own individual characteristics that will make it perfect for every home garden.

Monarda fistulosa

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The best way to grow all prairie flowers is form seed. This is because most prairie flowers develop strong, deep roots. Transplanting must be done with care. Prairie flowers do best when they can establish themselves right in place as small seedlings. When planted early enough in the season, many prairie flowers can bloom in their first year.

Monarda seeds are carefully selected for color and hardiness. It is easy to sow them directly in the soil, or start them in very small pots outside. As long as the plants are placed in their permanent place before they have more than six true leaves, there will be no problem with root disturbance. Just "plunk" them in the ground, give them plenty of water to start out, and they will thrive almost immediately. that is one of the greatest things about native flowers- they just seem to do well anywhere there is good sun exposure.

Larger plants can be transplanted without complications, as long as the roots are given plenty of TLC in the process. Treat them gently, and be sure to leave plenty of the original soil to help them establish in their new home.

If plants do happen to have some problems, there are some quick fixes that can help. Be sure the soil is not too rich, or too thin. If it is draiaing too quickly, add some organic matteer in theform of compost or well aged manure. Do NOT fertilize Bee Balm. Soil that is too rich will make these native wildflowers droopy and weak.

Bergamot

Monarda didyma "Jacob Cline"

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Prairie flowers in all shades of red will attract hummingbirds to the home garden. Hummingbirds love the color red. Choose a bright, sunny spot that has a little shelter from the wind.

The two choices here are sold as plants. Not to worry, though, they will transplant just fine. Follow the directions above for best results.

One of the outstanding characteristics of Bee Balm is its stunning variety of subtle color variations. While many of these happen naturally, some have been enhanced in botanical experiments. The scarlet and coral varieties here have been cultivated in some cases to achieve particular shades of petals and leaves.

Still, even if not a true native prairie flower, these types of Monarda are quite useful and helpful to the environment. Choose Monarda over other standard garden flowers. Bee Balm prairie flowers and have the added benefit of helping the environment while enhancing the beauty of a home's yard and garden.

Monarda "Panorama Mix"

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In the example at right, the name Monarda is followed by the name "Panorama Mix." this shows that the plant was created or altered, and may even be patented.

One way to tell whether or not the prairie flowers intended for the garden bed are true natives is to examine their scientific names. Native flowers will generally be identified by only two Latin names. The first name is for the genus and the second one is for the species. For example, in Mondarda fistulosa, Monarda is the genus, and fistulosa is the species.

If the plant has been specially bred by a botanist or horticulture lab, it will have a third name (or names) added. the added name will be placed in quotation marks. Sometimes, the name in quotation marks will simply be applied to the first Latin name, leaving off the species name. Thus,

Monarda "Coral Reef"

If it's a choice between Coral Reef Bee Balm and Petunias, choose the Bee Balm every time.

When a plant is specially bred in a horticulture lab, it may have different characteristics than the original native prairie flowers. this is not always a bad thing. However, it can make it a bit confusing for gardeners who want to stick to planting native flowers.

An easy way to remember the difference is to keep in mind that any plant that has a name in quotation marks is not an original variety of prairie flower. Again though, all prairie flowers are better that most of the traditional alien garden choices.

Monarda didyma "Dark Ponticum"

This version of Bee Balm wildflower seeds is very close to the original native. It bears the same coloring as the native variety.

It is important to remember that while all native flowers are identified by tow Latin names, that is not a guarantee that that particular Bee Balm  flower is native. It is simply a good guide. Alien invasive plants can also have tow Latin names. Sounds confusing, doesn't it?

Monarda "Pink Delight"

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A pretty, bright pink Bee Balm that will look great anywhere!

It is understandable to find this confusion all a bit frustrating. Don't become too concerned with all the naming and terminology at first. Just try to learn a bit at a time. The most important thing is to plant flowers that bring beauty and pleasure. there are several great resources to help figure things out as time passes.

Prairie flowers and native flowers are very rewarding and fun to grow. That is the most important thing. Just stick to that, and follow the advice that makes sense for the specific needs of the individual garden. The rest will happen naturally. that's what growing native flowers is all aobut- enjoying the natural beauty of prairie flowers.

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