Question
I live in N.E. Ohio and would like to know if my bee balm is bloomed out should I remove it from my garden or leave it the same with Black Eyed Susan

Answer
Hello Toni

Both these plants are perennials, which means that they die down completely during the winter and grow again the next year - they will do this year after year - so no need to remove them at all.

Both these plants can be treated in the same way.  As each bloom on a plant fades, cut the stem down, leaving some leaves near the base.  These will convert energy from sunlight into food, which will build up the roots and the general vigor of the plant, so that they can flower the next year.  Once they have completely died down you could put a mulch of leaf mould or well rotted garden compost over the crowns - this helps to protect the roots from winter cold.

Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) tends to wander about a bit, so could pop up in unexpected places next year!

Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) forms clumps, which after a few years can be dug up and divided - the pieces can then be planted into other parts of the garden.

We professionals call this 'Plants for Free' - and very satisfying it is!

Gill