Bubblegum Blast Bee Balm

Bubblegum Blast is a compact, upright bee balm in the SUGAR BUZZ® series, bred for the middle of a flower border. Its hot-pink midsummer blooms rise above dark-green, aromatic foliage, and its clumping habit also suits a roomy container. ## Garden use This cultivar grows to about 24 inches tall and 32 inches wide, with a rounded dome of 2–2½-inch flowers. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. The foliage smells minty when brushed, and the flowers are useful for cutting. Walters Gardens reports above-average powdery mildew resistance for this cultivar; the [developer profile](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=MONBB) gives its exact size, flower color, bloom timing, and garden performance. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or light shade. Monarda prefers rich, organic, consistently moist soil, though average garden soil also works; choose a well-drained site and avoid letting the root zone dry out. Walters Gardens lists USDA zones 4–8. The [Darwin Perennials profile](https://www.darwinperennials.com/Products/Details/?phid=042507464032238) confirms summer flowering and gives additional cultivar characteristics, including heat tolerance, fragrance, and deer resistance. ## Maintenance Keep moisture consistent and provide spacing and air movement around the clump. Remove spent flower heads to help extend bloom, and thin crowded growth if airflow declines.