Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
General Information
Spotted Beebalm is easy to grow. It is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial.
Spotted Beebalm is typically found in prairies, sandy areas, rocky woodlands. It prefers full sun and dry soils.
Spotted Beebalm has showy multi-colored (pinkish-purple, green, beige, and maroon) flowers. Its blooms from July to September.
Leaves of Spotted Beebalm can be used in teas.
Plant Information
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Sun Preference:
Full Sun * Part Sun
Soil Moisture Preference:
Medium-Dry * Dry
Plant Height:
2 feet
Plant Width:
1 feet
Plant Spacing:
0.5 to 1 feet
Flower Color:
Purple
Flower timing:
July to September
Culture Information:
Spotted Beebalm works best in containers, butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, drought tolerant gardens, native gardens, nighttime gardens, and pollinator gardens.
When first planted, Spotted Beebalm should be watered weekly for first few months, unless at least an inch of rain has been received in the last week to help it get established. After it becomes established, Spotted Beebalm does not typically need watering, as it is drought tolerant.
Spotted Beebalm can be cut back to the ground in late fall or over winter.
Spotted Beebalm has a medium fire rating.
Tolerates:
Drought
Dry Soil
Deer
Rabbits
Pests & Disease:
Spotted Beebalm typically has no serious insect problems.
Spotted Beebalm doesn’t usually have serious disease problems. It is susceptible powdery mildew and rust, especially in crowded gardens.
Wildlife Use:
Pollinators: Spotted Beebalm attracts bees, butterflies and moths and is a larval host plant for the Gray Marvel Moth, Anterastria teratophora, and Snout Moth, Pyrausta generosa, P. signatalis. It also supports the specialized bees Dufourea monardae, Perdita gerhardi, and Protandrena abdominalis..
Birds: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will use Spotted Beebalm as a nectar source
Mammals: Spotted Beebalm is resistant to damage by deer and rabbits; mammalian herbivores dislike its scent.
Other: N/A.
Native to:
More Information:
NC State Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden:
TN-KY Plant Atlas
Other Link: