beebalm
Monarda bradburyana
MBG Plant of Merit 2008
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink to white with purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Beebalm (Monarda bradburyana) is a perennial for borders, perennial beds, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Pink to light lavender flowers with purple spotting attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. The plant forms a clump, and its flowers and leaves are fragrant.
Pairs well with Black-eyed Susan, Indian grass, and Blue-eyed grass.
Native range
Southern and central United States.