White Flower Farm
Monarda Sugar Buzz 'Blue Moon'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners looking to attract local pollinators.
Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Blue Moon' is a compact hybrid Bee Balm that forms a well-mannered clump, ideal for the middle of a pollinator garden. It is remarkably floriferous, producing lavender-blue blossoms from mid- to late-summer. This variety exhibits resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue for Bee Balm. As a North American native genus member, it features tartly fragrant foliage and attracts essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms. Plants perform best in full sun or partial shade with evenly moist, moisture-retentive soil.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
834
/ 3029
#834 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
SKU
34291
/ S
Who it's for
- Gardeners tired of battling powdery mildew on their foliage
- Urban dwellers with limited space for container gardening
- Conservationists looking to attract local pollinators to their yard
Who should skip it
- Designers curating a garden palette strictly of warm tones
- Busy homeowners unable to commit to regular supplemental watering
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer a hands-off approach
Performance breakdown
Disease Resistance
Superior mildew resistance keeps foliage clean and healthy throughout the season.
Pollinator Appeal
Nectar-rich blooms act as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Bloom Density
Remarkably floriferous habit ensures a vibrant display of lavender-blue color.
Garden Versatility
Compact size fits perfectly into mid-border spots or smaller garden beds.
Maintenance Ease
Well-mannered growth habit requires minimal intervention to maintain a tidy shape.
Native Compatibility
Supports local ecosystems while providing reliable, hardy performance in native landscapes.
Key Specs
SKU
S34291
Ships as
1 PINT
Mature Height
20 inches
Spacing
18-22 inches
Exposure
Sun to Part Shade
Plant Family
Mint family
Features
- Compact growth habit suitable for garden beds
- Remarkably floriferous with abundant blooms
- Resistant to powdery mildew
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Features tartly fragrant foliage
- Easily transplanted
- Fragrant
- Pollinator friendly
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional reliability and striking aesthetic design of the Monarda 'Blue Moon'. Reviewers frequently note its robust growth and impressive resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue for Bee Balm varieties. The plant establishes quickly, offering a dense, compact habit that fits well in smaller gardens. The unique, deep blue purple blooms are a major draw, providing vibrant color and attracting numerous pollinators, making it a highly valued addition for gardeners seeking low maintenance beauty and ecological benefit.
Know before you buy
Unlike older, taller Bee Balm varieties that can be prone to powdery mildew and sprawling growth, 'Blue Moon' is a compact hybrid. It maintains a tidy, well-mannered clump that stays upright and shows significantly better resistance to fungal issues.
Monarda 'Blue Moon' performs best in soil that is evenly moist and moisture-retentive. It does not tolerate prolonged drought well, so ensure the planting site is consistently watered, especially during the heat of summer.
Yes, it is highly effective at attracting pollinators. The nectar-rich, lavender-blue blossoms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the mid- to late-summer blooming season.
For optimal air circulation and growth, space your plants 18 to 22 inches apart. This spacing allows the clumps to fill in nicely without becoming overcrowded, which helps maintain the plant's natural resistance to mildew.
While it can tolerate partial shade, the plant will perform best and produce the most abundant blooms when given at least six hours of direct sunlight. In very deep shade, you may notice fewer flowers and a less compact growth habit.
Yes, this variety belongs to the mint family and features tartly fragrant foliage. The scent is most noticeable when the leaves are brushed against or crushed.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17