Bee balm: Vibrant garden beauty that also repels ticks
Colourful element of any garden - bee balm, also known as monarda or bergamot, is a plant that beautifies the space with its diversity of colours, ranging from burgundy through cream, pink, and purple to not only yellow but also effectively repels ticks. It is the ideal decoration for any garden due to its variety and unique appearance.
A characteristic feature of bee balm is its appearance and its scent, which it owes to essential oils. These oils give the plant lemon, strawberry, and even lavender scents. Such aromas attract beneficial insects, including butterflies and bees, while repelling ticks.
Growing conditions
Bee balm thrives best in sunny or partially shaded spots. It blooms from July to September, which means you can enjoy its beauty for an extended period. The soil should be fertile and slightly moist but not excessively wet.
Care and frost resistance
Bee balm care includes regular watering and pruning. Hot days require more frequent watering, but excess water should be avoided. Pruning is recommended after flowering, as it stimulates the plant to bloom again. Bee balm is frost-resistant, so it does not need to be covered for the winter.
Dangerous ticks
Ticks pose a threat mainly because they can transmit various diseases that are dangerous to the health of humans and animals. Here are a few reasons why ticks are hazardous:
- Lyme disease
- tick-borne encephalitis
- babesiosis
- anaplasmosis
- tularemia
Due to these threats, it is crucial to protect yourself from ticks, especially when spending time in wooded areas or tall grass. Protection includes wearing appropriate clothing, using repellents, and thoroughly checking the body after being outdoors. In the case of a tick bite, it is crucial to remove it quickly and correctly and to monitor for any symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
It's worth planting bee balm in the garden
Bee balm is a beautiful and practical plant for any garden. It is ideal for gardening enthusiasts because it repels ticks and attracts beneficial insects. If you want to enjoy its charms, it is worth planting now.
