Blue Stocking Bee Balm

Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'

American Beauties®

Rare Violet-Blue Flowers Set this Bee Balm Apart from Traditional Red Varieties
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$30⁴⁵

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This perennial thrives in full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. While it handles light afternoon shade in hotter climates, you will get the densest flower clusters and the most vibrant violet color by keeping it in a bright, open spot.
Soil: Aim for rich, moist soil that does not dry out completely. If you are dealing with heavy clay that stays soggy, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" in winter can rot the roots.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Bee Balm two to three times a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the roots settle in. Once established, this plant is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture often leads to powdery mildew or smaller flower heads. Think of the soil like a wrung-out sponge: it should always feel damp to the touch to keep the foliage lush and the nectar flowing for pollinators.

Pruning Tips

Blue Stocking Bee Balm blooms on new wood, so you should cut the stems back to the ground in late autumn or early spring before new growth appears. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the summer encourages a second flush of blooms and keeps the plant from looking ragged. This process is like a mid-season refresh that redirects the plant's energy away from seed production and back into making more flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost in early spring just as the green shoots emerge from the ground. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this stimulates tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. Providing nutrients early in the year ensures the stems are strong enough to support the heavy, pom-pom shaped blossoms without flopping.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Fragrant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Blaustrumpf
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Bring on the buzz with Blue Stocking Bee Balm (Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'), a hardy perennial that steals the show with its rich violet-blue flowers! Standing 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, this summer bloomer bursts into action from mid-summer through early fall, delighting gardeners and pollinators alike. The rounded, tufted blooms are fragrant, with a spicy-sweet aroma that not only perfumes the garden but also lures in hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees in droves.

This stunning variety is a German hybrid, prized for its deep jewel-toned blossoms that rise above aromatic, dark green foliage. The leaves themselves carry that signature minty, herbal scent common to Bee Balm, making them useful for teas and cut arrangements. Its upright, clumping form holds strong through the season, with sturdy stems that resist flopping and a compact width perfect for perennial borders.

Native Bee Balm relatives hail from North America, where Indigenous peoples long valued them for medicinal teas and natural remedies. A member of the mint family, this perennial connects modern gardens to a long tradition of herbal use and ecological benefit.

Key Features

Perennial Bee Balm with violet-blue, tufted summer blooms
Strong fragrance with minty, herbal notes
Upright, clumping form 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
Aromatic foliage with herbal and tea uses
Native lineage with medicinal history

Landscaping Uses

Use Blue Stocking Bee Balm as a pollinator magnet and colorful accent in sunny borders. Its moderate size makes it easy to tuck into smaller gardens or pair with ornamental grasses and other sun-loving perennials. Its showy blooms and scented leaves make it a cousin to other pollinator favorites like Catmint, Salvia, and Russian Sage.

Pollinator gardens and butterfly borders
Cottage and herb gardens
Cut flower and tea gardens
Mixed perennial beds for mid-summer color
Companion to Salvias, Coneflowers, and Russian Sage

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, Blue Stocking Bee Balm is a dependable herbaceous perennial that thrives in sunny, well-drained spots. It is highly adaptable but appreciates rich soil and consistent moisture to look its best.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained soil - tolerates average soils but dislikes compact or soggy ground
Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist, especially the first year - use the Finger Test to check watering needs
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of organic mulch or bark chips for root protection - mulch tips here
Fertilization Needs: Use compost or a balanced perennial fertilizer in spring
Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering, and cut plants to the ground after frost
Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in spring or fall to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding

Special Perks: Deer- and rabbit-resistant, fragrant foliage, strong pollinator support, mildew-tolerant variety

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support

A Buzz-Worthy Beauty

With its bold color, herbal fragrance, and nonstop pollinator action, Blue Stocking Bee Balm is a true garden standout. Order your Blue Stocking Bee Balm today from NatureHills.com and enjoy vibrant mid-summer color and hummingbird visits season after season!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Blue Stocking Bee Balm prefer full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Blue Stocking Bee Balm thrives in full sun for the best flowering and compact 2-3 foot growth habit. While it can tolerate some morning shade, full sun locations produce the most abundant violet-blue blooms and strongest stems. Plant in a sunny spot for maximum pollinator appeal.

How often should I water Blue Stocking Bee Balm after planting?

Water newly planted Blue Stocking Bee Balm daily for the first week, then 2-3 times weekly until established. This hardy perennial prefers consistent moisture but avoid waterlogged soil. Once roots settle in 4-6 weeks, it becomes quite drought tolerant. Shop at Nature Hills for quality plants.

Is Blue Stocking Bee Balm a fast-growing or slow-growing perennial?

Blue Stocking Bee Balm is a moderate-growing perennial that establishes well in its first season and reaches full size of 2-3 feet tall within 1-2 years. It begins blooming from mid-summer through early fall once established. Plant in spring for best results and expect steady, reliable growth rather than aggressive spreading.

Is Blue Stocking Bee Balm deer resistant?

Blue Stocking Bee Balm is generally deer resistant due to its strong minty, herbal fragrance that deer typically avoid. As a member of the mint family, its aromatic foliage acts as a natural deterrent. Plant it in sunny borders where deer browsing is a concern.

What size container will my Blue Stocking Bee Balm arrive in?

Blue Stocking Bee Balm typically arrives in a 4-inch container from Nature Hills. This size gives the roots room to establish while keeping shipping costs reasonable. Plant immediately after arrival or keep watered until you can get it in the ground.

How is the plant packaged for shipping and what's the shipping timeframe?

Blue Stocking Bee Balm ships as a dormant bare root or potted plant depending on season. Shipping typically takes 7-10 business days, with spring being optimal planting time. Order early spring for best establishment before this 2-3 foot perennial hits its mid-summer bloom stride.

Blue Stocking Bee Balm

Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'