It can even be used to treat fevers and headaches.Įarly American colonists also used bee balm in an alternative tea named Owego tea. It is frequently eaten in herbal teas, in salads, and as a garnish. As an aromatic essential oil, it can also be used as a hair tonic or in perfumes. It also was used in a tea to prevent gingivitis and dental caries, along with other throat and mouth infections. It has strong antiseptic properties that help speed up the healing process and prevent further infection. It was frequently ground into a poultice to treat minor wounds and skin infections. Various Native American tribes, including the Blackfoot, Winnebago, and Ojibwa tribes, used the plant in a variety of ways. What is the Cultural Significance of Bee Balm?īee balm has long been utilized for its culinary and medicinal purposes. Its various colors take on different meanings, too, but more often than not the plant has positive connotations and represents good health, protection from illness, and prosperity. It also represents fertility – often seen as a hallmark of good health – and can promote restful sleep.īee balm symbolizes good fortune in another way, too – it can be used to represent wealth and money. What Does the Bee Balm Flower Symbolize?īecause of its many uses as a medicinal plant, bee balm most commonly symbolizes good health along with protection from evil and illness. Not only can the plant be used to treat conditions ranging from headaches to sore throats and even digestive upsets, but it also produces a resin that can be used to treat bee stings. Bee balm is known for its ability to attract bees, but also for its medicinal value. A Spanish botanist, Monardes died in 1588 and wrote one of the earliest European books on native American plants.Īlso a member of the mint family, bee balm has a name that references its connection to the local environment. This genus was named in honor of Nicolas Bautista Monardes. What Does Bee Balm Mean?īee balm plant is a member of the genus Monarda. If you’ve never given a second thought to the meaning of this flowering plant, this article will tell you all that you need to know. But what many people aren’t aware of is that this plant is actually entrenched in deep meaning and symbolism. It’s easy to grow and care for and produces beautiful red spikes of flower clusters that will attract visitors of all kinds to your garden.Īlso known as bergamot, oswego tea, and monarda, this plant is hardy and has long been used in households all around North America. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.The perfect plant for pollinators, bee balm is often grown in edible and medicinal gardens for its ability to attract bees and butterflies. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. Occasionally water when soil feels dry. Cut the plant to the ground in mid-autumn.A few easy steps will prepare the plant for the cold weather. Whether planted in a garden area or in a container, it will return each season and will have likely spread. Steps To Care For Bee Balm in Winterīee balm is a hardy perennial plant that requires little care. Bringing your outdoor container inside for the winter is an option however, the plant will most likely not bloom during this time. Bee balm go dormant for the winter and successfully return each spring. If you house your container bee balm indoor from the initial planting, it can grow successfully year round with well drained soil and full sunlight. This can prevent the roots from breathing and drown the plant. Careful not to allow the bee balm to sit in soggy soil. Water a container plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Depending on the rain or snowfall in your area, provide water so the soil is not completely dried out. You can bring the outdoor container bee balm inside for the winter, but it will most likely not bloom.ĭuring the cold weather season, bee balms will need an occasional watering. Occasionally water the plant when the soil feels dry. Trim the stems to about 2 inches from the soil surface. When the stems die back, usually after the first frost, cut the plant back. Bee Balm Winter Care in PotsĬaring for container bee balms during the winter is similar to caring for garden planted bee balm. On the other hand, if you want the plant to spread more, then leave all of the stalks intack through autumn. If you do not want the plant to spread as much, then cut some of the plant back prior to fall. Waiting until fall will allow the plant to drop it’s seeds for the next growing season. As a general rule, cut the plant back after the first frost in the fall. Bee balm spread very easily from season to season.
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