Overwintering guide
How to overwinter bee balm 'cambridge scarlet'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' in winter
Cutting bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' care
- Overwintering scarlet bee balm — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' care guide
- Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' temperature range
- How often to water bee balm 'cambridge scarlet'
- How to prune bee balm 'cambridge scarlet'
- Common bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' — FAQ
Does bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' need to come indoors for winter?
Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' over winter?
Cutting bee balm 'cambridge scarlet' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.