Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm: Hot Pink That Fills Space
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Sugar Buzz® Bubblegum Blast bee balm covers itself in bright bubblegum to hot pink flower heads in midsummer. Strong, well-branched stems hold the blooms in a full dome about two feet tall, and the clump spreads to as much as 32 inches across.
It is the broadest of the compact Sugar Buzz bee balms, so it is the one to choose when you have a gap to fill.
Bubblegum Blast at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monarda 'Sugar Buzz Bubblegum Blast' |
| Flowers | Hot pink shaggy heads, 2 to 2.5 inches, on pinkish bracts |
| Foliage | Dark green, toothed, minty when brushed |
| Size | About 24 inches tall, up to 32 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks mid-July, single flush |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; deer resistant |
Hot pink beside purple
Pink and purple are an easy, cheerful match. Bubblegum Blast's saturated pink makes lavender's purple look cooler and deeper, and its round, shaggy heads contrast with lavender's slim spikes. Both bloom in the heart of summer, so the effect lands at once, with bees busily commuting between the two.
Just keep them in separate beds. Bee balm likes average to fertile soil that stays evenly moist; lavender wants lean, dry ground. A border of bee balm along the far side of a path, facing a lavender bed, gives each plant what it wants and still reads as one planting. Lay it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Managing a plant that likes to fill in
Bubblegum Blast spreads by shallow rhizomes to fill its space, but it is not an aggressive runner. A little management keeps it in bounds and blooming well:
- Divide every two to three years in spring. Lift the clump, discard the tired center and replant the vigorous outer pieces.
- Space generously so air moves around the stems, which helps keep leaves clean.
- Water in dry spells. Drought stress invites powdery mildew, though this plant shows good resistance.
- Remove spent heads after the flush for a tidier look.
- Winter: very hardy in Michigan. Cut stems back in fall or leave them until spring.
Extra divisions make good gifts for gardening friends, which is a polite way of saying you will have more than you need.
Cutting and using
Bee balm makes a good cut flower. Cut stems when the heads are freshly open. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used for herbal tea or as a garnish.
Plug tray sizes
Bubblegum Blast is offered in 72-cell and 20-cell plug trays. See each product page for current availability, or the Wholesale Hub for tray orders.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rebloom?
It is a single-flush bloomer, with its main show in July. Plan later color from other plants nearby.
Is it good in a large container?
Yes, a large container works well. Keep the mix evenly moist and divide it when it fills the pot.
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