Yes, cold weather can affect leaf color, especially if the plant was grown in a warmer location or greenhouse.

Hi!

I have a Monarda (Bee Balm) that I planted out in early May. It was really lush and beautiful at the nursery, growing outside quite happily.

The plant is growing extremely well, very tall, thick, lush and healthy, developing flower buds on every single stem, approaching 3' tall now. The bottom leaves, however, are turning a reddish-purple tinge. Does anybody know why? The weather has been really tumultuous, the spring was very wet and cool, punctuated by a few very hot spells so far.

It gets regular watering every couple days if there isn't any rain, and even a little fertilizer to help it settle into its place. Soil is clay/loam, morning-early pm sun, little to no amendments to the soil.

Could it be too moist? We have had loads of rain and high humidity lately.

Some monarda naturally develop a reddish leaf color. Raspberry Wine, for example, tends to sport purpleish leaves.

You can see some of leaves of my plant turning red here:

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Yes, normal for some varieties. Part of the beauty.
idabean

Hahaha thanks guys! Mine is actually a Raspberry Wine! Guess there's no need to worry after all :)

I think it's very pretty.

Both bee balm look very different.