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

Mondarda fistulosa, also known as native bee balm, is one type of plant master gardener Colleen Dieter especially loves to save seeds from. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 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

The scent of bee balm is also appealing to lacewings, which then eat harmful pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026

Perennials like hostas, coneflowers, and bee balm will slowly spread to fill in a flower bed. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 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