Jacob Cline Bee Balm

Jacob Cline is a vigorous bee balm with whorled scarlet-red flowers and green, mint-scented foliage. In Mt. Cuba’s Mid-Atlantic trial, it peaked in late June, stayed in full bloom for about three weeks, and attracted hummingbirds; mildew resistance was only fair there, despite the cultivar’s reputation for better resistance ([Mt. Cuba trial](https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/monarda/monarda-didyma-jacob-cline/); [Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/PlantDetail.cfm?PlantID=735&PlantTypeID=2)). ## Growing conditions Give this perennial full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It spreads by rhizomes and may form broad clumps, so leave room for its growth and provide good air circulation. Illinois Extension lists the cultivar at 3–4 feet tall and the species typically blooms from June into August; Mt. Cuba measured 50 inches high and 40 inches wide after three years in its own trial, so mature size varies by site ([Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/PlantDetail.cfm?PlantID=735&PlantTypeID=2); [Mt. Cuba](https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/monarda/monarda-didyma-jacob-cline/)). ## Maintenance Keep the soil from becoming excessively dry and avoid overhead watering to reduce mildew pressure. Deadhead to encourage a longer display, and divide clumps every three to four years if they become crowded. After flowering, cut stems to 12–24 inches and leave them standing until they break down to provide nesting habitat for native bees ([Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/PlantDetail.cfm?PlantID=735&PlantTypeID=2); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/monarda-didyma/common-name/bergamot/)).