How to Grow Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet'
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Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet'
Monarda didyma 'Gardenview Scarlet'
flowerA cultivar of bee balm with vibrant scarlet-red flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. This perennial herbaceous plant grows in dense clumps and produces distinctive shaggy flower heads (pompoms) that rise above aromatic foliage. 'Gardenview Scarlet' is notable for its disease resistance and superior vigor compared to the species.
When should you plant Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet' in your zone?
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Example Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Seedling & Establishment
3-6 weeks from seed to transplant-ready sizeTiny seedlings with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging. Young transplants develop a basal rosette of oval, aromatic leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Harden off transplants before outdoor planting. Mulch lightly around base.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer (8-12 weeks)Plant establishes robust root system and produces bushy, upright growth. Stems thicken and foliage becomes increasingly dense with opposing, lance-shaped, fragrant green leaves.
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture. Pinch back growing tips in spring to encourage bushier growth and more flower stems. Remove any diseased foliage. Provide support stakes if needed in windy locations.
Bud Formation & Flowering
7-10 weeks (mid-July through September)Terminal flower buds develop at stem tips, gradually opening into distinctive shaggy red pompom-like flowers composed of tubular florets. Flowers appear in whorled clusters.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and reduce self-seeding. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Feed with balanced fertilizer or bloom-boosting formula every 3-4 weeks. Water at soil level, not overhead.
Peak Bloom & Pollinator Activity
4-6 weeks during peak seasonFlowers fully open with intense scarlet color; plant is covered with visiting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Flowers persist for weeks.
Monitor for powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions with poor air movement. Continue deadheading to extend blooming season. Reduce watering slightly if soils remain consistently moist, but maintain adequate moisture.
Decline & Dormancy
6-8 weeks (October-December)Flowers fade and become dry seed heads. Foliage begins to yellow and die back as temperatures cool in fall. Plant dies back to ground level in winter.
Leave seed heads standing until late winter for wildlife food and visual interest, or cut back in fall. In fall, apply 2-3 inches of mulch to protect crown. Cut back dead stems to 2-3 inches above soil line in late fall or early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or neem oil at first sign. 'Gardenview Scarlet' has improved resistance. Remove heavily affected leaves. Thin stems in spring.
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Spray foliage with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Maintain adequate humidity around plants.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
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Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants, or treat with neem oil or spinosad. Remove preferred host plants nearby if possible.
Uses
Herbal tea and garnish
CulinaryFresh or dried flowers and leaves make a fragrant, minty tea with a slightly spicy flavor. Edible flowers are stunning garnish for salads, cocktails, and desserts. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalMonarda has been used traditionally by Native Americans and herbalists for colds, fevers, and digestive complaints. Contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Fresh and dried arrangements
HouseholdVibrant scarlet flowers are excellent for fresh bouquets with a 7-10 day vase life. Dried seed heads and flowers persist beautifully in dried arrangements and are valued for autumn/winter crafts. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeOutstanding nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowering extends into late summer and fall when other nectar sources decline. [source]
Essential oil production
CraftAromatic foliage and flowers contain volatile oils (including thymol) that can be extracted for fragrance, infusions, and herbal preparations. Often used in craft distillation projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers just as the flower head fully opens for longest vase life (7-10 days). Harvest in morning after dew dries. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle above a leaf node to encourage branching. For drying, cut flower heads when fully open and hang upside-down in a warm, airy location. Deadhead regularly during bloom season to encourage more flowers and reduce self-seeding. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and wildlife food if desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Gardenview Scarlet' won the prestigious Stokes Seeds Award for ornamental plants and is bred specifically for disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew which plagues many bee balm varieties.
- 🌱 The common name 'bee balm' refers to the plant's historic use by beekeepers, who applied it to bee hives to help prevent disease and swarming, and its nectar is highly attractive to honeybees.
- 🌱 All parts of the plant are aromatic and edible; rubbing the foliage releases a minty, oregano-like fragrance that is both pleasant to humans and repellent to some garden pests.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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