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Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm

Monarda didyma 'Bubblegum Blast' PP27,497

Plants that Work®
  • Vibrant Bubblegum Pink Blooms with Superior Powdery Mildew Resistance
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
  • Grows 2 ft Tall and Wide
  • Showy Pink Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
  • Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
$1699
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily to ensure the most vibrant pink color and strongest stems. While it tolerates light afternoon shade, too much shade increases the risk of powdery mildew and results in fewer flowers.
  • Soil: This perennial thrives in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist but breathes well. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter dormancy can cause the roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Bee Balm two to three times per week to keep the root ball from drying out while it establishes. Once mature, this variety is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the heat of summer will lead to smaller blooms and scorched leaf edges. Aim to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps prevent spotting.

Pruning Tips

Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast blooms on new wood, so you should prune it back to about 2 inches above the ground in late autumn or early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the summer encourages a second flush of blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy. Think of this like a mid-summer haircut that redirects the plant's energy from seed production back into flower power.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release granular fertilizer once in early spring as the first green shoots emerge from the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this promotes tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A light layer of organic mulch around the base will also provide a steady stream of nutrients while keeping the roots cool.

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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Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm

If you're looking for a showy, fragrant, and pollinator-friendly perennial, Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm PP#27497 (Monarda didyma 'Bubblegum Blast') is a must-have! This stunning Bee Balm bursts into a profusion of vibrant pink, bubblegum-colored blooms in mid to late summer, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and, of course, bees!

Unlike older Bee Balm varieties, Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast is highly resistant to powdery mildew, ensuring a long season of clean, lush foliage! Its aromatic foliage releases a delightful minty fragrance when brushed against, making it a sensory element in the garden. Growing in a tidy, compact mound, this herbaceous perennial reaches about 16-24 inches tall and up to 32 inches wide, making it perfect for small gardens, borders, or container plantings. The lance-shaped, deep green leaves provide a lovely contrast to the hot pink flower clusters.

Hardy in zones 4-8, this North American native cultivar thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates a variety of soil conditions. It's beloved not just for its stunning flowers but also for its rich cultural history—Bee Balm has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties and as a tea herb.

Key Features

  • Vivid bubblegum pink flowers in summer
  • Compact growth habit (16-24 inches tall & wide)
  • Highly resistant to powdery mildew
  • Aromatic foliage with a minty scent
  • Nectar-rich resource — butterflies, hummingbirds & bees adore it
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Cold hardy down to zone 4

Landscaping Uses

This compact showy specimen adds a splash of bright pink and fragrance to the landscape, attracting essential pollinators while repelling browsing deer.

  • Bee Balm is the ultimate Pollinator garden plant
  • Borders and edging for cottage gardens and perennial borders
  • Thriller and Filler in Containers for patios and balconies
  • Mass plantings for a bold summer display
  • Cut flower gardens (beautiful fresh or dried flowers)
  • Herbal gardens (can be used for teas, potpourri, and aromatherapy)

Care and Maintenance

A relative of Mint, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils but can handle occasional dry spells once established. As a hardy, easy-to-grow perennial, Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast thrives with minimal maintenance while putting on a spectacular display year after year.

  • Planting Time: Spring or fall.
  • Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade (best flower production in full sun).
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil; tolerates clay if drainage is good.
  • Moisture Needs: Prefers evenly moist soil but is somewhat drought tolerant once established.
  • Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of bark mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Fertilization Needs: Apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  • Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering; cut back stems to the ground in late fall.
  • Special Perks: Highly mildew resistant, pollinator magnet, deer/rabbit resistant, thrives in urban gardens.
  • Division Info: Divide every 3-5 years in early spring or fall for healthier growth.

Bubble Over With Color In Your Garden!

For a bright, fragrant, and pollinator-friendly addition to your garden, Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm is a perfect choice! This compact, mildew-resistant perennial will fill your summer garden with delightful pink blooms and a lively buzz of pollinators.

Order now from Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll ship at the perfect planting time for your zone!

Growing Zones 4–8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm suitable for?
  • Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. This North American native cultivar can withstand cold temperatures down to zone 4 while thriving in the heat of zone 8. Plant it in full sun to part shade for best performance.

What is the mature height and width of Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm?
  • Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm reaches 16-24 inches tall and spreads up to 32 inches wide at maturity. This compact growth habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, and container plantings. Shop at Nature Hills for this mildew-resistant native perennial.

Does Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm resist powdery mildew?
  • Yes, Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm is highly resistant to powdery mildew, unlike older varieties. This resistance ensures clean, healthy foliage throughout the growing season. Plant it in full sun to part shade for best disease resistance.

What are the sunlight requirements for Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm?
  • Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. This adaptable perennial performs well with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For best flowering and compact growth, provide morning sun with some afternoon protection in hot climates.

What type of soil does Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm prefer?
  • Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm tolerates a variety of soil conditions and isn't particularly fussy about soil type. This hardy perennial (zones 4-8) performs well in average garden soil with decent drainage. For best results, plant in well-draining soil and shop at Nature Hills for this mildew-resistant variety.

How much water does Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm need after planting?
  • Water newly planted Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Once established, this hardy perennial tolerates various soil conditions and needs less frequent watering. Check soil moisture regularly and reduce watering as roots develop.

When does Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm bloom?
  • Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm blooms in mid to late summer with vibrant bubblegum pink flowers. This compact perennial reaches 16-24 inches tall and performs reliably in zones 4-8. Plant in full sun to part shade for best flowering.

What size pot or plant will I receive when ordering Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm?
  • Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm typically ships as a well-rooted plant in a 4-inch pot. The compact perennial will mature to 16-24 inches tall and up to 32 inches wide in zones 4-8. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

Can Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm be grown in containers?
  • Yes, Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm grows excellently in containers with its compact 16-24 inch height and 32-inch spread. Its tidy mounding habit makes it perfect as a thriller or filler plant for patios and balconies. Use a large container and ensure good drainage for best results.
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