Should I dead head my bee balm plants?

Question

I've noticed that the birds seem to be enjoying the remaining seed heads but the whole point to planting the bee balm was to encourage the butterflies and hummingbirds. So I'm wondering if I should dead head some of the spent flowers?

Answer 1

I do, in fact I cut the plants down to about 18 inches or less and let them regenerate from the ground. Leave the second bloom seedheads for the birds, or plant Echinacea and enjoy the bird antics.

Answer 2

I deadhead my beebalm, too.  They come back quickly with more blooms, and this way you are giving the butterflies and hummingbirds a second meal.  The seeds that don't get eaten by the birds will grow into even more beebalm.  The plant is a fast reseeder and a great addition to the butterfly/hummer garden.