Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
General Information
Beebalm is an easy-to-grow, clump-forming herbaceous perennial.
Beebalm is typically found in prairies, dry rocky woods and glade margins, unplanted fields and along roads and railroads. It prefers drier soils.
Beebalm has showy pink to lavender tubular flowers. It is slightly fragrant/ Beebalm blooms over several weeks in July.
Plant Information
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Sun Preference:
Full Sun * Part Sun
Soil Moisture Preference:
Medium-Wet * Medium * Medium-Dry * Dry
Plant Height:
3 feet
Plant Width:
2 feet
Plant Spacing:
2 to 3 feet
Flower Color:
Purple
Flower timing:
July
Culture Information:
Beebalm works best in wild gardens, native plant gardens, meadows, naturalized areas, woodlands, butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens.
When first planted, 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, Beebalm does not typically need watering, as it is drought tolerant.
Beebalm can be cut back to the ground in late fall or over winter.
Tolerates:
Black Walnut
Deer
Drought
Dry Soil
Rabbits
Pests & Disease:
Beebalm typically has no serious insect problems.
Beebalm has no major disease problems. Powdery Mildew can be a problem with all Monarda species but this species has more resistance. Allowing the soils to become very dry stresses plants and results in increased susceptible to disease. Rust can also be a problem.
Beebalm has a medium fire rating.
Wildlife Use:
Pollinators: Beebalm attracts bees and butterflies. Beebalm supports the specialized bees Dufourea monardae, Perdita gerhardi, and Protandrena abdominalis.
Birds: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will use Beebalm as a nectar source
Mammals: 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: