Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm

Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm – A Pollinator Magnet

The Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'Pocahontas Red Rose') is a dazzling perennial that explodes with deep red, fragrant blooms in mid-to-late summer, drawing in hummingbirds, butterflies, and, of course, bees in droves. This Bee Balm variety is known for its exceptional mildew resistance, making it a standout among Monardas!

This compact variety grows in a tidy, upright form, reaching about 14-16 inches tall and spreading just as wide. Its deep green, lance-shaped leaves create a lush backdrop for the fiery red blooms, which last for weeks and rebloom with light deadheading. Come fall, the spent seed heads add winter interest and provide food for birds!

This variety belongs to the Mint family and shares its vigorous spreading habit, square stems, and aromatic foliage. However, Pocahontas Red Rose is more well-mannered than some of its relatives.

Key Features

• Fiery red, fragrant blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
• Strong resistance to powdery mildew
• Compact growth habit, ideal for smaller gardens
• Blooms from mid to late summer with reblooming potential
• Aromatic foliage with a spicy, herbal fragrance
• Tolerates humidity, clay soil, and occasional drought
• Native plant with historical medicinal uses

Landscaping Uses

Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm forms a compact, upright clump reaching up to 16 inches tall and wide. Its bright red flowers and fragrant foliage make it an excellent choice for various landscape settings. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm thrives in sunny garden beds, borders, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

The aromatic foliage emits a spicy, minty scent, adding another layer of sensory delight to the garden. In folklore, Bee Balm has long been used for its medicinal properties, including treating colds, fevers, and digestive ailments.

• Bee Balm is the ultimate Pollinator garden plant - Perfect for pollinator gardens!
• Must-have for cottage-style borders
• Great in perennial beds mixed with Black-eyed Susans, Coneflowers, and Salvias
• Adds a splash of color to rain gardens and moist areas
• Works well in container plantings for patios and balconies
• Can be naturalized in wildflower meadows for a native look

Care and Maintenance

Its exceptional adaptability allows it to withstand humidity, occasional drought, and even clay soils. As a hardy herbaceous perennial, Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm is easy to grow and rewards gardeners with an abundance of blooms. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is best for root establishment.
• Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun).
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy or clay soil; prefers moist but not soggy conditions.
• Moisture Needs: Moderate watering; drought tolerant once established.
• Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of bark mulch or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
• Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early spring.
• Special Needs/Perks:
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Tolerates clay soil
• Handles humid conditions
• Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in spring or fall to prevent overcrowding.

A Must-Have for Pollinator Paradise

You need this rosy charmer in your garden! Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm is a fiery beauty that belongs in any garden looking to support pollinators while delivering bold summer color. Its resistance to mildew, compact habit, and aromatic foliage make it a must-have for your sunny beds and borders!

Order now from Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll deliver this pollinator favorite right to your doorstep!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm deer resistant?
Yes! This variety is naturally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its fragrant foliage.

Does Bee Balm spread?
Yes, like other Monardas, it spreads via underground rhizomes, but this variety is more compact and well-behaved.

How do I prevent mildew on Bee Balm?
Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm is highly resistant to mildew, but for best results, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and divide plants every few years.

What can I plant with Bee Balm?
It pairs beautifully with Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, Phlox, and Ornamental Grasses.

Will Bee Balm rebloom if I deadhead it?
Yes! Removing spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers.

Is Pocahontas Red Rose Bee Balm native?
Yes, Bee Balm is native to North America and Pocahontas Red Rose is a hardy cultivar that retains its native resilience.

Can Bee Balm grow in pots?
Yes, the compact size makes it a great candidate for containers on patios and balconies!