How to prune eastern bee balm

Late spring for shaping; after flowering for deadheading; late autumn or early spring for hard cutback. Cut stems back by half before flowering to reduce height and encourage branching. After blooms fade, shear the plant back by one-third to tidy it and prompt a second flush. Cut to the ground in late autumn once dormant.

2–3 times per growing season. Eastern Bee Balm benefits from regular pruning to stay tidy and productive. Cut stems back by half in late spring to promote bushy growth and delay flopping. After flowering, deadhead spent blooms to extend the season. In autumn or early spring, cut the whole clump down to a few inches above the ground to refresh it.

Cut stems back by half before flowering to reduce height and encourage branching. After blooms fade, shear the plant back by one-third to tidy it and prompt a second flush. Cut to the ground in late autumn once dormant.