How to prune red bee balm

Late spring for pinching; after flowering for deadheading; late autumn or early spring for full cutback. Pinch stem tips when plants reach about 30 cm (12 in) to reduce flopping. After blooms fade, remove spent flower heads. In late autumn, cut all stems to within 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of the ground to encourage fresh basal growth.

2–3 times per growing season. Red Bee Balm (Monarda russeliana) is a clump-forming prairie herb that benefits from pinching in spring to encourage compact, bushy growth. Deadhead faded flowers to prolong blooming. Cut the whole clump back to near ground level in late autumn or early spring to keep it vigorous and reduce powdery mildew pressure.

Pinch stem tips when plants reach about 30 cm (12 in) to reduce flopping. After blooms fade, remove spent flower heads. In late autumn, cut all stems to within 5–8 cm (2–3 in) of the ground to encourage fresh basal growth.