spotted bee balm – GrowIt BuildIT

One of the most unique blooming flowers in our yard is Spotted Bee Balm. A member of the Monarda genus, it doesn't quite resemble any other Monarda. I love the numerous tropical and alien like blooms produced by this lovely plant. Spotted Bee Balm is a herbaceous perennial native to North America that blooms in late Summer through Fall and sometimes into winter that is short lived. Scientifically known as Monarda punctata, Spotted Bee Balm grows best in full sun in medium to dry conditions reaching about 2' tall by 2' wide (60 cm). Spotted Bee Balm Facts Spotted Bee Balm was used medicinally by Native AmericansIt is a short-lived perennial, lasting 2-5 years.The leaves and stems of this plant smell like oregano, and this makes it a very deer/rabbit resistant plantIs a member of the mint familySpotted Beebalm will bloom for 2 months or moreBlooms in August-October, making it the latest blooming Bee Balm of the Monarda genusThe Scientific Name of Spotted Bee Balm is Monarda punctata Looking for other forms of Bee Balm? See our overview on several species by clicking on the image below! Spotted Bee Balm Reference Table Common NameSpotted Bee Balm, Horsemint, Spotted HorsemintScientific nameMonarda punctataBloom TimeLate Summer / Early FallBloom Duration6-8 weeksColorWhite to Purple leaves, yellow/cream color center (corolla)Bloom Size‘1-3” diameter whorled flowersCharacteristicsWhorled flowers along the upper portion of the stem, several flowers per stemHeight2-3’ (60-120 cm)Spacing/Spread3’ spread (1 m)Light RequirementsFull Sun / Partial ShadeSoil TypesSand, LoamMoistureDry to mediumMaintenanceNone. Cut back in Spring after insects have emergedTypical UseFlower beds, meadow, prairie, roadsideFauna AssociationsBees, butterfliesLarval HostGray Marvel, and Pyralid MothsSowing DepthSurfaceStratificationNoneNative RangeUSDA Zones 3-9NotesThis is a unique looking plant! Physical Description and Identification - Spotted Bee Balm (more…)