Bee Balm Flowers Turning Brown. Bee balm Monarda didyma sends up dense clusters of scarlet flowers in midsummer and it often remains in bloom for a month or longer. In season the petals can also be used fresh.
Other Bee Balms are doing well. Cercospora leaf spot Cercospora spp is another potential culprit in bee balm droop and is characterized by circular or irregular brown spots on the. The bee balm might start to show signs of white powdery mildew forming on the leaves and flowers if the plant doesnt get enough air especially after heavy rains.
The plants are only about 4 inches tall and the leaves on about half the plants have begun to turn brown and shrivel up.
Bee balm thrives in full sun and most varieties need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day in order to bloom well. I was told that it was a sign of iron deficiency. Provide good air circulation and water the plants at ground level whenever possible. 01062018 The individual petals of bee balm flowers pull out easily and can be dried to make a beautiful bright red tea.