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Blue Stocking Bee Balm

Monarda 'Blaustrumpf'

American Beauties®
$3045
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Plant Size

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

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 3-4 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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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!

Growing Zones 4-8

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