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I think it depends on which beebalm you get. I have the straight monarda fistulosa, and it is always covered in powdery mildew...and as much as I hate to say this about a medicinal native plant, it is ugly. It also flops. But I have a stand of monarda didyma which is awesome. It is very upright and grows to about 4 feet tall and has dark-green mildew-resistant leaves. Butterflies and hummingbirds go crazy for it.
I got it on sale from Bluestone perennials, and I think the one I have is Colrain red. It does spread, but I have a lot of space to cover. I was actually happy to have parts of it to move to other areas of my garden. I think the stalks look great in winter, and it makes awesome tea.
I like Jacob's ladder, too. And may go with that if it's not as "prolific?" as balloon flower?
What about Jacob's ladder, oh, and bee balm, too?
I have grown Balloon flowers for years, and have NEVER had any problems with it being invasive, not in the least! My mom still has a plant I startedfor her years ago, from my own plant's seeds, and she is NOT a gardener,to put it mildly. Mine come back every year, and are some of my favorites! However I am worried that last summer's horrid drought may have done them in.
Bee balm is excellent for honeybees, which are in such horrible shape these days from all the pesticides. Just some random Googling & I ran across this article of how bee balm was historically by Native Americans..
in_newengland from what you recall, did your balloon flower spread, pop up all over. Would you call it invasive?
No, it was definitely not an invasive plant. The blossoms were big an roundish and they would open up and be pretty. I would have to cut the stems back when they stopped blooming and then more stems would shoot up. In the fall they would go to sleep like the rest of the garden and the same plants would be back in spring.
Anyone have experience with 'avens' also known as 'guem?'
I've read they grow fast, and bloom long. But one site said 'divide frequently' (every couple if years I guess, which is not really my thing).
Also one site said zone 5-7. I fear planting them in Phila. would be too close to their hardiness tolerance. Some people suggest not planting just to your zone, but prefer plants hardy to one zone WITHIN what's recommended.
I'm willing to give these a chance, but would like to hear any experiences you have with them.
Anyone have experience with 'avens' also known as 'guem?'
I've read they grow fast, and bloom long. But one site said 'divide frequently' (every couple if years I guess, which is not really my thing).
Also one site said zone 5-7. I fear planting them in Phila. would be too close to their hardiness tolerance. Some people suggest not planting just to your zone, but prefer plants hardy to one zone WITHIN what's recommended.
I'm willing to give these a chance, but would like to hear any experiences you have with them.
Yes. They are fairly easy to grow, dividing does need to be done every 3 or 4 years. They are also prone to mildews and don't like too much winter moisture. They also need to be pruned back after blooming to get them to grow more flowers again. My current garden is not as suitable to them as my old one was, which was north of where you are. Philadelphia is well within the zone 5 tolerances, being mostly 6b and even some 7a depending on where you live. The only parts of PA that are even close to being cold issue trouble are up near Altoona and points northwest. Here's a map of the zones in your state: Pennsylvania Interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Thanks. Not sure yet if I like them enough for the 'work' or 'attention' they'd need, or that seems to be recommended.
I'm strictly a plant it, irregular water, and maybe fertilize kind of person.
No dead-heading unless I happen to on a lark think "Uh, it's a nice day. Why don't I dead head? But regular deadheading -- uh, no. And certainly no dividing. I haven't divided my astilbe, lenten rose, sedum and dayliiies -- or anything I have -- in the 10 years since having my landscaping done.
Selhars, given your gardening style (by your description) I'd say the Calla Lilies are a bad idea. Their native habitat is wetlands/swamps and other perpetually damp areas. As a house plant they need to be kept constantly and consistently watered. They prefer a narrow temperature range in order to bloom but will survive a broader range if you want just the leaves. In other words they might be too fussy for you. I love their look and grow about 3 different ones outdoors.
The Kaffir Lily is, by comparison, a much easier plant to keep indoors and should survive your preferred garden care. If you have cats it is poisonous to them and, like many plants with milky sap, the leaves and sap can be irritating and cause allergic reactions.
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?" as balloon flower? 
