bee balm

noun

1

: any of several monardas

especially : a perennial monarda (Monarda didyma) of eastern North America having showy flower heads made up of scarlet tubular flowers

2

: lemon balm

Examples of bee balm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As gardening season winds down, November is the best time to cut back many types of plants in your yard, including favorites like bee balm, daylilies, and hostas. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026

Just south of Champaign along I-57, IDOT removed invasive autumn olive shrubs and planted purple coneflower, bee balm and milkweed. — Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Prune bee balm, phlox, and peonies in fall to prevent diseases like powdery mildew; do not compost diseased foliage. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026

For best results, Langelo says to cut bee balm (Monarda didyma) back 6 inches above the ground before dividing. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for bee balm

• aplomb
• balaam
• begam
• cocom
• embalm
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• bom
• bomb
• calm