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Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm

Monarda didyma 'Balbalmurp'

American Beauties®
  • Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm Blooms Reddish-Purple All Summer Long, Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 1 ft Tall
  • Showy Purple, Red Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
  • Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
$3365
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least 6 hours each day to ensure the most vibrant purple color and strongest stems. While it tolerates partial shade, you will likely see fewer flowers and an increased risk of powdery mildew due to less air circulation and slower drying of the foliage.
  • Soil: This variety thrives in rich, moist soil that drains well. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of organic compost to improve drainage, or add a layer of mulch if your soil is sandy to help keep the roots cool and hydrated.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system get established. Once mature, Balmy Purple is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering often leads to smaller flower clusters and increased stress. Maintaining even moisture is the best way to prevent the foliage from drying out and becoming susceptible to disease.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on new wood, so you should prune it in early spring as new growth appears. Think of a mid spring "haircut" where you pinch back the stems by a few inches; this encourages the plant to branch out and produce more flower heads. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the summer will signal the plant to keep producing flowers instead of putting energy into seed production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer like a 10-10-10 formula once in early spring as the first green shoots emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft, leafy growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. Proper timing ensures the plant hardens off correctly before the winter dormancy period begins.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


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

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Balmy summer weeks enhanced by the warm hues of the Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm (Monarda didyma 'Balmy Purple') burst forth on the garden scene in late spring and continue its show into early summer!

At a distance, the profuse blooms present a somewhat fuzzy appearance, with the adorable blossoms resplendent in reddish-purple color! Named "Bee Balm" for a reason, Balmy Purple Bee Balm is a sure lure to many types of pollinators, not only encouraging pollination in your garden but bringing the whimsy of fluttering butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to enhance your home!

The dark green foliage is not only lovely but also has a delightful mint/basil fragrance. All-in-all, Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm is a wonderful variety with a lot to offer! Heat and cold tolerant throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9, your Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm has an upright nature and tends to be fast-growing. Deer and rabbits generally pass Balmy™ Purple by, and it's even disease-resistant - so it's a hardy little plant to be sure!

Landscape Application:

Balmy™ Purple is a dwarf plant with a compact nature so it fits well in almost any space to provide consistent color and definition for your garden! The space-saving size is no shortage of color, however! Instead, you'll gain big pops of color without sacrificing space.

Not only great for front-of-the-garden border specimens and edging, but these cheerful perennials also work well in containers and mixed planters in the sun! Surround your porches and patios with butterfly-friendly blossoms!

Whether you are adding purple focal points throughout a sunny city courtyard or en mass installations of low-growing waves of color, Balmy™ Purple Monarda will give you lasting and easy-care color! From pampered Cottage gardens and mixed perennial borders to rugged Rock gardens and mailbox plantings, Bee Balms are up for the challenge!

  • Showy Reddish-Purple Shaggy Blooms
  • Fragrant Flowers & Aromatic Fuzzy Leaves
  • Dwarf Sized Clumps of Greenery
  • Attracts & Feeds Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds!
  • Specimens, Borders, Edging, Containers & Massing

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant Bee Balm in rich, well-drained soil where they will receive full sunlight each day (the more sun, the better!) Although Monarda can grow in partial shade in warmer climates. Provide a consistent amount of water for best results and a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around their roots for best results. Add life-long support simply by using symbiotic Nature Hills Root Booster in the planting hole. Deadhead after flowering to clean the mounds and encourage a possible rebloom, and prune back these plants in the fall once the foliage yellows and remove all debris. Divide every few years to keep the clumps growing their best.

  • Full Sun Perennials
  • Any Well-Drained Soil Type
  • Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
  • Prune Down Late Fall
  • Deer & Rabbit Resistant

Bee Balms are always popular, and this dwarf variety allows you to have one in your garden without a large commitment of space. A terrific little plant that will flower with brilliant blooms and require little from you, Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm is a must-have this year!

Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does bee balm get?
  • Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm is a dwarf, compact variety that stays much smaller than traditional bee balms. This space-saving perennial works well in tight spots, containers, and front borders where larger varieties would overwhelm. Plant it where you want consistent color without sacrificing valuable garden space.

What USDA hardiness zones is Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm suitable for?
  • Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9, showing excellent heat and cold tolerance. This hardy perennial performs reliably across a wide range of climates. Shop at Nature Hills for guaranteed zone-appropriate plants.

Does Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?
  • Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm thrives in full sun conditions. While it can tolerate some light shade, you'll get the most abundant blooms and compact growth in sunny locations. Plant it where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best performance.

How often should I water Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm once established?
  • Water established Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once or twice weekly. This hardy perennial is quite drought tolerant once its roots are established. Check soil moisture regularly during hot spells and reduce watering in fall.

When does Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm bloom and how long do the flowers last?
  • Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm blooms from late spring through early summer with showy reddish-purple flowers. This compact perennial provides weeks of continuous color while attracting pollinators to your garden. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable blooms in zones 4-9.

Is this bee balm deer resistant and will rabbits avoid eating it?
  • Yes, Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm is deer resistant and rabbits typically avoid it. The aromatic mint/basil fragrance of the foliage naturally deters these garden pests. Plant it as a protective border around more vulnerable plants in your garden beds.

What are the best companion plants to grow alongside Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm?
  • Balmy™ Purple Bee Balm pairs beautifully with other pollinator favorites like purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and lavender. Its compact, dwarf size makes it perfect for front borders alongside shorter perennials. Plant with sun-loving companions that thrive in zones 4-9.
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