Research has shown that hummingbirds have always preferred flowers with lots of nectar, regardless of color. The flowers hold copious amounts of nectar, they offer no landing pad for bees to rest on, the flowers are positioned for hovering pollinators, and they tend to be red or another bright color. Plants that evolved to attract these efficient pollinators have a few things in common. The tongues of hummingbirds are able to lap 15-20 times a second, making short work of the nectar-and-pollen-gathering process. Large amounts of diluted nectar, which is not as appealing to less-efficient pollinators, collect in the tubes. The lengthy floral tubes are made to order for the long, thin beaks and tongues of hummingbirds. Scarlet bee balm is pollinated primarily by ruby-throated hummingbirds because they are extremely efficient pollinators-they visit the same flower species over and over, quickly slurping up nectar and collecting copious amounts of pollen on their heads, bodies, and beaks. Remove spent flower heads during the growing season to prolong blooming periods for hungry pollinators. Full sunlight and pruning within the clump to increase airflow are βan ounce of prevention.β To re-invigorate plants, divide clumps every two or three years in early spring. Powdery mildew is a common but harmless issue with bee balm. A site with consistent moisture promotes healthier plants, and an initial mix-in of compost before planting is also recommended. It flourishes in nearly any well-drained soil, including clay, and tolerates occasional drought and proximity to black walnut. Although it will adapt to dappled shade, bee balm does its best flowering in full sun. In these ideal conditions, it may grow up to 5-6β tall, but it usually tops off at around 3-4β, spreading readily to form colonies via self-seeding or shallow rhizomes. Native to eastern North America and Canada, scarlet bee balm is often found in areas with moisture, sunlight, and rich soils. The dense foliage has a minty aroma when crushed, which, along with square stems, paired leaves, and two-lobed flowers, is typical of members of the mint family (Lamiaceae). From June through August, spiky clusters of long, tubular flowers float like miniature fireworks atop four-sided stems lined with large leaves. With minimal care, this arresting, versatile plant (that is rare in Ohio) will bring beauty, savory fragrance, and ruby-throated hummingbirds to your landscape.
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