Park Seed
Sugar Buzz 'Grape Gumball' Bee Balm
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting to attract pollinators to containers.
Attract pollinators to your garden with the Sugar Buzz® 'Grape Gumball' Bee Balm. This perennial boasts royal purple flowers that bloom from midsummer to late summer, creating a vibrant display over dark green foliage. Its compact habit makes it ideal for sunny borders and patio containers. The leaves release a delightful mint scent, and the plant is resistant to deer and powdery mildew. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, offering a carefree and colorful addition to any landscape.
$17.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
831
/ 2989
#831 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
SKU
38237
Who it's for
- Gardeners tired of battling powdery mildew in humid climates
- Urban dwellers with limited container or border space
- Conservationists looking to support local bees and butterflies
Who should skip it
- Busy homeowners unable to provide consistent supplemental watering
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it plant
- Designers curating soft, pastel-toned landscape palettes
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the midsummer bloom cycle.
Disease Resistance
Robust defense against powdery mildew keeps foliage looking pristine all season.
Maintenance Ease
Carefree growth habit requires minimal intervention for a healthy, vibrant display.
Container Versatility
Compact stature fits perfectly in patio pots or tight garden borders.
Pest Deterrence
Reliably deer-resistant foliage protects your garden from common browsing wildlife.
Sensory Appeal
Vivid purple blooms paired with mint-scented leaves engage multiple garden senses.
Key Specs
SKU
38237
Genus
Monarda
Species
didyma
Variety
'Grape Gumball'
Item Form
1-Quart
Bloom Color
Purple
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Hardiness Zones
4 - 8
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Deer resistant foliage
- Resistant to powdery mildew
- Fragrant leaves release a mint scent
- Compact habit for containers
- Free-flowering mid to late summer bloom
- Showstopping display of color
- Easy to care for
What customers say
Customers are delighted by the exceptional quality and unique design of the Sugar Buzz 'Grape Gumball' Bee Balm. Reviewers consistently highlight the plant's robust vigor and its stunning, unusual color which truly lives up to the 'Grape Gumball' name. This variety is celebrated for being a powerful magnet for pollinators, making it a high value addition to garden spaces. The ease of establishment and reliable performance year after year solidify its reputation as a top tier perennial choice.
Know before you buy
Sugar Buzz 'Grape Gumball' is hardy in zones 4 through 8. If you live within these regions, it is well-suited to handle the local temperature fluctuations.
Yes, its compact 2-foot by 2-foot habit makes it an excellent choice for containers. Ensure your pot has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate the root system.
Yes, this specific cultivar is bred for improved resistance to powdery mildew, which is a common issue for many other Monarda varieties. While no plant is entirely immune, it is significantly more reliable than older types.
It performs best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. For the most vibrant purple blooms, aim for a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
You only need to apply organic fertilizer during the first season to help it establish. After that, it is relatively low-maintenance and does not require a heavy feeding schedule.
This variety is considered deer-resistant. The combination of its minty, aromatic foliage and specific texture generally discourages deer from grazing on it.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$18