Bee Balm

Question

I planted a bee balm plant in the spring. It has grown to a great size but has never bloomed. Please help!

Answer 1

It will bloom next spring. Many perennials focus on root growth the first year; flowering requires a lot of energy which new roots just can't provide. Also, too much nitrogen fertilizer stimulates green growth which diverts energy away from flower production. If you improved the soil before planting, a top dressing of compost is adequate nutrition for bee balm.