"HA HA Budys Here" wrote in message
...
Last spring I planted 2 small 1-gallon samples of Monarda didyma (Bee
Balm) in
a partly sunny area which was behind a retaining wall. The backfill behind
the
wall was mostly 4 cu. yds. of homemade compost I needed to relocate. This
year
the plants look more like large shrubs and have completely overgrown the
surrounding vegitation.

At this point their flower pedals have mostly dropped. Would shaving these
down
to about 50% of their current 4' height promote re-growth and re-bloom
this
year? If not, will it harm next year's growth?

Its probably a good idea to trim it. Monarda often declines after it blooms
and powdery mildew sets in, making the plant look ratty.