Bee Balm?

Question

Last summer I transplanted some of my red bee balm from my front garden to my back hillside. By the end of summer, they seemed to have taken root and were holding their own. This summer, I noticed lots of little sprouts coming up and was thrilled to imagine the sea of red bee balm I was going to have. We went away on an extended vacation, and I came back to this: (pic) A hillside absolutely covered with very tall, 5-7 feet, stalky plants with small white flowers that look like mutant Queen Anne’s Lace. The butterflies certainly love it, whatever it is. But it is clearly invasive. My question is, what the heck is it and how did this happen to my bee balm? I had planted a checkerboard pattern of the BB to fill in and this is the exact area I planted. I’m perplexed. It really looked like bb at first, the jagged leaves, etc. Should I rip this out? It is dwarfing my other trees and shrubs. Thank you!

Answer 1

Red Bee Balm is a cultivated Hybrid.
The Bee Balm has been crossed with another plant likely in the mint family.
It would appear your Bee Balm has self seeded and you are growing–something else!

Because it is likely in the mint family, it may become invasive and it you don’t love it, I would dig it up and discard.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bee-balm/bee-balm-care.htm