Photo: tracy from north brookfield,Massachusetts, usa, CC BY 2.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma): when and how to prune
Monarda didyma
Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma): when to prune it?
Cut the dead stems back to just above the ground in March. If the leaves are badly affected by mildew after flowering, you can cut back as early as September.
Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma): how to prune it?
- In summer, cut faded flower whorls back to a pair of leaves; side flowers will follow.
- In September, remove stems heavily affected by mildew and do not put them on the compost heap.
- Leave healthy stems with seed heads until March: they look good in winter.
- In March, cut all old stems back to just above the ground, before the new shoots emerge.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.