When to Cut Back Bee Balm?

In the fall or winter, you should prune bee balm after it has died back. Take it back down to just above the soil's surface. This allows you to clean up the dead plant material, and perennial varieties will begin to show signs of new growth in the late winter or early spring again.

Should bee balm be cut back after blooming?

Bee balm (Monarda) begin to bloom in July and will continue to bloom throughout late summer. ... As the flowers begin to wilt and fade, cut just above the next flower bud. Continue to cut throughout the season as needed until the stem has finished flowering. Once a stem is finished flowering, trim it back to the ground.

Do you cut back bee balm?

Deadhead faded blooms to encourage the plant to re-bloom in late summer. After the first frost in the fall, cut stems back to about 2 inches above the soil. (See local frost dates.) Divide bee balm every 2 to 3 years to ensure its vigor.