Bee balm (Monarda 'Blaustrumpf' BLUE STOCKING)
Monarda 'Blaustrumpf' BLUE STOCKING is a stunning, low-maintenance Bee balm prized for its violet-blue blooms in mid-summer.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING, commonly known as Bee balm, offers a highly desirable, deep violet-blue flower color that stands out in the mid to late summer garden. This striking herbaceous perennial is extremely valuable for attracting a wide array of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, into the landscape. It thrives as an easily managed garden feature, provided its moisture needs are met consistently.
As a hybrid derived largely from Monarda didyma, this variety performs best in average, moisture-retentive soils across USDA Zones 4 through 8. Beyond its powerful visual appeal, the aromatic foliage and tubular flowers contribute multi-sensory appeal to borders and cottage gardens. Gardeners should aim for full sun to light afternoon shade for the best performance from Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING.
This cultivar is prized for its extended bloom period, typically running from July into August, bringing reliable color when many spring bloomers fade. Its vigorous but manageable growth habit, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, makes it an excellent vertical element that requires only low levels of maintenance.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Violet blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING during the spring or fall when conditions are cooler, ensuring the location offers the requisite full sun to partial shade. It thrives in rich, humusy soils that are consistently moist; do not allow the ground to dry out, especially during peak summer heat. While hybrids often prefer medium to wet conditions, be aware that those with Monarda fistulosa parentage tolerate slightly drier garden spots better.
Consistent moisture is crucial for good health and preventing common foliage issues. Water deeply rather than frequently, keeping the soil evenly damp. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is rich, though a spring application of compost can be beneficial. Providing good air circulation around the clumps is a key preventative measure against potential fungal problems.
Deadheading the spent flowers will improve the overall appearance of the plant and might encourage a slight rebloom flush. To maintain vigor and prevent the patch from becoming overcrowded, plan to divide the clumps every three to four years, as Monarda slowly spreads by rhizomes.
Landscape Uses
The robust stature and vibrant color of Bee balm make Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING an outstanding choice for traditional perennial borders where height and continuous mid-summer interest are desired. Its moisture requirements also make it perfectly suited for planting in moist sunny areas adjacent to streams, pond edges, or boggy depressions in the landscape.
For a classic cottage garden look, mix the deep violet-blue spikes among whites, pinks, or yellows to maximize contrast. Furthermore, given its manageable spread and striking appearance, this plant performs admirably as an anchor specimen in large containers, especially when paired with moisture-loving annuals or marginal aquatic plants. The naturalizing tendency means it can also be integrated into less formal meadow-style plantings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Monarda is a genus of about 15 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials from prairies and woodlands in North America. BLUE STOCKING is noted for its unusual violet-blue flowers, typically growing 2-3’ tall with dense, globular heads of tubular blossoms atop rigid, square stems. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and all parts of the plant possess a distinctive, aromatic scent.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Powdery mildew remains the most anticipated challenge for many Bee balm varieties, along with occasional rust infections. Poor air circulation and dry soil conditions significantly increase susceptibility to these foliar diseases. While Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING reportedly exhibits good mildew resistance, prevention is still key. Ensure adequate spacing for airflow, promptly remove any infected leaves, and maintain consistent even moisture in the root zone to support plant health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bee balm suitable for?
Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING is suitable for USDA Zones 4-8.
How large does Bee balm grow?
This variety typically reaches a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
When does Bee balm bloom?
Bee balm blooms reliably from July through August, showcasing distinctive violet blue flowers.
What sun exposure does Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING need?
This plant performs best with full sun exposure but can tolerate light shade, especially in extremely hot climates.
Conclusion
The reliable deep coloration and significant wildlife appeal cement Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING as a garden staple for summer color. This low-maintenance Bee balm rewards attentive watering with season-long beauty that attracts pollinators. Before planting, confirm your local climate falls within the established USDA Zones 4-8 suitability.
Wildlife Benefits
The structure of the tubular flowers on Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING is perfectly evolved to offer nectar to hummingbirds, who are primary visitors to mid-summer flowering bee balm. Furthermore, the dense flower heads are magnets for numerous species of native bees and various butterflies throughout the July and August bloom time period. Planting this variety ensures a vital food source is available during the peak summer lulls in floral availability.
Propagation Tips
The primary and most straightforward method for propagating Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING is through division of the established clumps. Because this perennial spreads slowly via rhizomes, dividing overcrowded plants every 3 to 4 years helps maintain vigor and controls its overall footprint. Perform this division in early spring before new growth aggressively emerges, ensuring each new division has a healthy root system attached to establish readily in the garden.
