Family

Lamiaceae

Description

‘Blue Stocking’ bee balm is a vigorous, clump-forming cultivar prized for its deep violet-blue flowers and strong, upright stems. Like other Monarda selections, it thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and spreads by underground rhizomes. This cultivar is especially noted for its mildew resistence, a common issue among older varieties. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a reliable choice in pollinator gardens and meadow-style plantings.

 

A hybrid of native North American species, Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ retains much of the genus’s aromatic foliage, which emits a minty fragrance when crushed. While not naturally occurring in the wild, it carries the botanical heritage of species like Monarda didyma, which is found in moist meadows and streambanks from the Appalachians to the Northeast.

Bloom Time

July to August