How to Grow Bee Balm 'Summer Wine'
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Bee Balm 'Summer Wine'
Monarda didyma 'Summer Wine'
flowerBee Balm 'Summer Wine' is a cultivar of wild bergamot prized for its deep burgundy-red flowers and aromatic foliage. This herbaceous perennial attracts pollinators and hummingbirds throughout the summer months, making it a vibrant addition to any garden. The plant produces shaggy, dense flower heads and has naturally fragrant leaves that can be used for tea.
When should you plant Bee Balm 'Summer Wine' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Bee Balm 'Summer Wine' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bee Balm 'Summer Wine'
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 'Summer Wine' blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bee Balm 'Summer Wine' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in zones 4-8 with proper moisture management
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Get my Bee Balm 'Summer Wine' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very small and delicate
Keep soil moist but not wet; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems; leaves are aromatic and medium-green; plant grows to 18-24 inches tall
Water regularly; pinch back growing tips in early season to encourage bushier growth; apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksDense flower buds form at stem tips, beginning to show deep burgundy coloring
Maintain consistent moisture; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage; deadhead spent buds regularly
Flowering
6-8 weeks (June-August)Spectacular deep wine-red shaggy flower heads bloom at branch tips; flowers are highly fragrant and attract pollinators
Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom time; maintain moisture; watch for powdery mildew and provide good air circulation; continue deadheading throughout season
Seed Set & Dormancy
2-3 months through winterFlowers fade and form seed heads; foliage may decline in late summer; plant enters dormancy in fall and dies back to ground
Leave some seed heads for wildlife; cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring; apply 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection in colder zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or neem oil; choose mildew-resistant cultivars; remove affected leaves
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage natural predators
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; ensure good air circulation; apply copper fungicide if severe
Uses
Herbal Tea & Flavoring
CulinaryThe aromatic leaves and flowers make a delightful caffeine-free tea with a minty, oregano-like flavor. The tea has been traditionally used for relaxation and digestive support. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalBee balm contains thymol and carvacrol, compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Historically used by Native Americans and herbalists for colds, sore throats, and digestive upset. [source]
Pollinator & Hummingbird Magnet
WildlifeThe deep burgundy flowers are irresistible to honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. An excellent native plant for supporting pollinator populations and creating wildlife habitat. [source]
Natural Perfumery & Aromatics
HouseholdThe fragrant leaves and flowers can be dried for potpourri, sachets, or herbal crafts. The essential oils have been used traditionally in folk crafting and home fragrance. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe wine-colored flower heads dry beautifully and hold their color well, making them ideal for dried arrangements, bouquets, and floral crafts that last for months. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh flowers: Cut stems when flower heads are fully open but before petals begin to drop. Best harvested in early morning. For dried flowers: Cut when fully open and hang upside down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. For tea: Harvest fresh or dried leaves anytime during growing season; dry by hanging or using a dehydrator. Cut flowers last 5-7 days in a vase with fresh water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bee Balm is native to North America and was used by Native Americans long before European settlement; colonists called it 'Oswego Tea' after the Oswego River region in New York.
- 🌱 The plant gets its common name because it is irresistible to bees—a single plant can attract dozens of pollinator visits throughout the day during peak bloom.
- 🌱 The 'Summer Wine' cultivar was selected specifically for its deep burgundy-red flowers and improved disease resistance compared to wild-type Monarda didyma, particularly resistance to powdery mildew.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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