Monarda
( mon - NARD - uh )
At-A-Glance Information
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This genus of flowering perennials includes species which need light shade in warmer climates and regular to ample amounts of water for best performance. Plants are commonly known as Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, or Horsemint. The bright-colored flowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden, and they are native to the eastern areas of North America. These plants grow 2-4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, spreading rapidly to form colonies in the landscape. They are not, however, considered to be invasive. Leaves are dark green and smell like a mix of mint and basil, and flowers are borne in tight clusters at stem tips. They are not long-lived plants in climates that have warm winters and hot, long summers. Grow Monarda in pollinator, native, informal, or cottage gardens in mixed beds or borders.
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Monarda Species and Varietals
The genus Monarda is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae and includes around 22 species. The best growing zones for Monarda vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Monarda bradburiana (Eastern Beebalm, Bradbury's Beebalm) These plants are native to many areas in the southeastern United States. The species produces a 1-2 foot tall plant. Tubular flowers are light pink to white, curved, and about 1 inch long. |
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Monarda citriodora (Lemon Beebalm, Lemon Mint, Purple Horsemint) Foliage, when crushed, emits an odor reminiscent of lemons and/or oregano. Flowers are purple, and are highly attractive to pollinators. Blooms appear in May through July. Plants are native to prairies and roadsides in the southern United States. Leaves can be added to salads, used to flavor wines and liqueurs, and can give great taste to cakes, sauces, pies, seafood, and meat dishes. |
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Monarda clinopodia (White Bergamot, Basil Bee Balm, White Bee Balm) These plants are native to southeastern North America and forms a perennial herb that reaches between 3 and 7 feet tall when mature. Flowers are white to pink, spotted with darker colors. These plants prefer moist woodlands, thickets, and ravine or stream bank landscapes, and bloom between June through September. |
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Monarda clinopodioides (Basil Beebalm) These plants are native to Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas, and reach about a foot tall when mature. Leaves have small hairs and teeth, and are green. Flowers have green bracts, and are pink to purple in color. |
Monarda didyma (Crimson Beebalm, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Eau-de-Cologne Plant, Oswego Tea)
This species is a perennial that reaches up to 4 feet tall when in bloom. Plants spread to 2 feet wide. Leaves are medium to deep green, and emit a minty fragrance when crushed. The plant has an odor similar to bergamot orange. Flowers are bright red and tubular. Plants typically grow in dense clusters along streambanks and in moist areas. Varieties have flower colors in red, pink, and lavender. All bloom over a 2-month period. Popular mildew-resistant varieties are outlined below.
This species is a perennial that reaches up to 4 feet tall when in bloom. Plants spread to 2 feet wide. Leaves are medium to deep green, and emit a minty fragrance when crushed. The plant has an odor similar to bergamot orange. Flowers are bright red and tubular. Plants typically grow in dense clusters along streambanks and in moist areas. Varieties have flower colors in red, pink, and lavender. All bloom over a 2-month period. Popular mildew-resistant varieties are outlined below.
'Jacob Cline'
A selection with bright scarlet flowers. |
'Pardon My Lavender'
With pink flowers. |
'Petite Delight'
This variety has flowers in rosy lavender and reaches 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. |
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Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm) This wildflower species of Monarda grows best in zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-17. Flowers are lavender to light pink and have white-tinted bracts. They have a wildflower look to them and are loved by bees and other beneficial insects. Cultivar 'Claire Grace' has darker purple flowers than the species and a good resistance to powdery mildew issues. |
Monarda spp. Hybrids and Cultivars (Hybrid Bee Balm)
This group of plants was developed for their size and habit, disease resistances, and beautiful flower colors.
This group of plants was developed for their size and habit, disease resistances, and beautiful flower colors.
'Achall'
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'Colrain Red'
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'Dark Ponticum'
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'Leading Lady Amethyst'
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'Leading Lady Orchid'
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'Marshall's Delight'
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'On Parade'
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'Purple Lace'
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'Purple Rooster'
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'Raspberry Wine'
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'Rose Queen'
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'Vintage Wine'
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Monarda media (Purple Bergamot) This species is native to eastern North America, and reaches between 2 and 3 feet tall when in bloom. Flowers produced by these plants are purple-red in color, with purple bracts. These plants prefer to grow in swampy habitats, like stream beds or depressed areas. |
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Monarda punctata (Spotted Beebalm, Horsemint) This species is native to eastern Canada, the eastern United States, and northeastern Mexico. Plants smell like thyme, and produce showy heads of purple-spotted yellow flowers above large white to pink-tipped bracts. Bracts are ornamental longer than the flowers. |
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Monarda viridissima (Green Beebalm, Texas Beebalm) This species is endemic to Texas and is a perennial herbaceous plant with green foliage. Flower bracts range from white to green to pinkish-purple, and flowers can be white, red, pink or purple, blooming in June through October. These flowers are considered endangered due to habitat loss and fire suppression efforts. |
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Caring for Monarda
Bee Balm can be purchased as starts from a reputable nursery or be grown from seed (direct-sown or started indoors). They do well in a space in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of sun each day to flower and perform well, and tend to become a bit leggy and not flower well if they do not get adequate sunlight. Make sure when installing these plants that spacing is considered; powdery mildew can become a hassle if plants do not have enough airflow. Recommended spacing depends on the cultivar grown and its mature width; read planting instructions before installing. They appreciate soil that is well-draining, rich in nutrients and organic matter, and that has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, put down a thick layer of organic mulching material to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants form shallow root systems and therefore need to be irrigated regularly. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Ideally, they should get irrigated at least once a week. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water at ground level and avoid getting foliage wet when watering to discourage powdery mildew issues. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Monarda needs periodic pruning throughout the growing season to form and grow well. Prune in springtime after growth begins, giving the plant a light haircut to encourage a bushy form. Alternatively, stem tips can be pinched to get the same results. Prune off spent flowering heads if you do not want plants reseeding, however the seeds provide a good food source for local wildlife if left on plants. Late in the season, give plants a good cutting back to remove any powdery-mildew affected foliage and improve health and airflow. All stems can be cut back to ground level at the end of the growing season.
Growing Monarda in Containers
It is uncommon for Monarda to be grown in containers; they do much better in the ground. However, for patio or balcony gardeners, growing in containers is the only option. Bee Balm does best in 5 to 10 gallon containers with good drainage holes in the bottom. They do well in standard potting mixes blended with added compost or other organic matter. Water regularly; irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mulching around the base of the plant in the container can help to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Monarda grown in containers will need to be divided more often than those grown in the ground. Every year or two, remove the plant from its pot and investigate its root system to determine if it is becoming too large for its growing space. Grab a pot that is two inches larger than the previous one, and fill the bottom with well-draining substrate. Then, place the root ball on top, ensuring that the top is about an inch and a half under the lip of the pot. Fill in around the root ball with more well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Harvesting Mondarda Flowers
Species of Monarda are harvested for their leaves and flowers to make tea, as well as for their flowering stems, which are used in fresh flower arranging. The most popular species cultivated for tea are Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Bee Balm tea has a unique taste reminiscent of citrus and mint, with floral undertones and can be brewed and served hot or cold. Leaves and flowers are both used to make bee balm tea, harvested at the time the plants are at their peak growth rate (summertime). The best time for harvesting is in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the essential oils in plants are at their peak.
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves close to their attachment to the stem, harvesting from multiple plants if possible to avoid weakening plant health. Flower heads can be removed when they are in full bloom and have not begun wilting yet. Shake off any dirt or insects from harvested plant parts before bringing them indoors for processing. Bundle leaves and flowers and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry place. They can also be left to dry on racks. It typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the drying process to be completed. Once leaves and flowers are fully dried, they can be stored in jars or other containers that have tight lids. Place these containers away from direct sunlight to preserve contents. Properly dried Bee Balm can last for several months without losing much flavor or potency. Fresh flowers and leaves can also be used as additions to salads, fruit plates, yoghurts, and other dishes. Harvest leaves and flowers as normal, rinse them, and then add them to dishes as desired. They also make great edible garnish for plating.
Any species of Monarda can be cultivated for its cut flowers, which are used in fresh arrangements. The best time to harvest is in summertime when plants are at their peak. The best time to harvest Monarda for cut flowers is in the morning, after dew has dried from plants but before the heat of the day comes around. Make sure plants have had a good watering the day before, as this will extend the vase life of these blooms. Cut flowering stems at the desired height, and immediately place them in a bucket of cool water. After bringing them indoors, a bit of the end of stems can be removed and stems can be dipped in boiling water for 10 seconds, and then placed in cold water. The vase life of Monarda is between 7 and 10 days.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants form shallow root systems and therefore need to be irrigated regularly. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Ideally, they should get irrigated at least once a week. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water at ground level and avoid getting foliage wet when watering to discourage powdery mildew issues. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Monarda needs periodic pruning throughout the growing season to form and grow well. Prune in springtime after growth begins, giving the plant a light haircut to encourage a bushy form. Alternatively, stem tips can be pinched to get the same results. Prune off spent flowering heads if you do not want plants reseeding, however the seeds provide a good food source for local wildlife if left on plants. Late in the season, give plants a good cutting back to remove any powdery-mildew affected foliage and improve health and airflow. All stems can be cut back to ground level at the end of the growing season.
Growing Monarda in Containers
It is uncommon for Monarda to be grown in containers; they do much better in the ground. However, for patio or balcony gardeners, growing in containers is the only option. Bee Balm does best in 5 to 10 gallon containers with good drainage holes in the bottom. They do well in standard potting mixes blended with added compost or other organic matter. Water regularly; irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mulching around the base of the plant in the container can help to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Monarda grown in containers will need to be divided more often than those grown in the ground. Every year or two, remove the plant from its pot and investigate its root system to determine if it is becoming too large for its growing space. Grab a pot that is two inches larger than the previous one, and fill the bottom with well-draining substrate. Then, place the root ball on top, ensuring that the top is about an inch and a half under the lip of the pot. Fill in around the root ball with more well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Harvesting Mondarda Flowers
Species of Monarda are harvested for their leaves and flowers to make tea, as well as for their flowering stems, which are used in fresh flower arranging. The most popular species cultivated for tea are Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Bee Balm tea has a unique taste reminiscent of citrus and mint, with floral undertones and can be brewed and served hot or cold. Leaves and flowers are both used to make bee balm tea, harvested at the time the plants are at their peak growth rate (summertime). The best time for harvesting is in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the essential oils in plants are at their peak.
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves close to their attachment to the stem, harvesting from multiple plants if possible to avoid weakening plant health. Flower heads can be removed when they are in full bloom and have not begun wilting yet. Shake off any dirt or insects from harvested plant parts before bringing them indoors for processing. Bundle leaves and flowers and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry place. They can also be left to dry on racks. It typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the drying process to be completed. Once leaves and flowers are fully dried, they can be stored in jars or other containers that have tight lids. Place these containers away from direct sunlight to preserve contents. Properly dried Bee Balm can last for several months without losing much flavor or potency. Fresh flowers and leaves can also be used as additions to salads, fruit plates, yoghurts, and other dishes. Harvest leaves and flowers as normal, rinse them, and then add them to dishes as desired. They also make great edible garnish for plating.
Any species of Monarda can be cultivated for its cut flowers, which are used in fresh arrangements. The best time to harvest is in summertime when plants are at their peak. The best time to harvest Monarda for cut flowers is in the morning, after dew has dried from plants but before the heat of the day comes around. Make sure plants have had a good watering the day before, as this will extend the vase life of these blooms. Cut flowering stems at the desired height, and immediately place them in a bucket of cool water. After bringing them indoors, a bit of the end of stems can be removed and stems can be dipped in boiling water for 10 seconds, and then placed in cold water. The vase life of Monarda is between 7 and 10 days.
Propagation
Monarda can be propagated either by using cuttings, through dividing existing plants, or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting or division methods. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Bee Balm, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Monarda by Cutting
Propagating Monarda by Seed
Propagating Monarda by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Monarda by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) peat moss and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make your cut just below a node. Create a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about two to three weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Monarda by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) peat moss and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed heads are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded and are brown and dry. Once they have dried out completely and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to release seeds. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray on top of the soil surface. Cover them with a thin layer of soil and water with your spray bottle to avoid dislodging the tiny seeds. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Propagating Monarda by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every four to five years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Dawn your protective gear and gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the rhizome roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick, healthy rhizome section attached. These plants have a tendency to develop a bit of a 'bald spot' over time. This scraggly, woody growth can be removed and discarded at this time.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water them in thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.
Monarda flowers hold many tiny seeds.
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Monarda seeds are typically brown to dark brown in color and are quite tiny.
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Problems and Pests
Monarda, or Bee Balm, plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Spider Mites
- Aphids
- Stalk Borers
- Powdery Mildew
- Rust
Gallery
Monarda fills a large area in this mixed bed, also featuring Liatris, Coneflower, and Fescue.
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Monarda adds bright color to this otherwise monotone landscape.
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These flowers are eye-catching and have a citrusy, spicy, elegant scent.
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Hummingbirds and bees love the sweet nectar produced by these flowers.
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Monarda flowers are popular in fresh flower arrangements.
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This front driveway strip features Monarda, Yucca, Scutellaria, Mexican Feathergrass, Salvia, and Artemisia.
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Monarda and Artemisia create a multicolored foliage show for passers-by in this bed.
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This Swallowtail butterfly stops by for a sweet snack.
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Coneflower and Monarda pair well in this pollinator strip.
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Monarda graces this colorful pollinator bed with deep magenta blooms.
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This informal landscape uses Monarda as an eye-catching plant, alongside Fountain Grass and Russian Sage.
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This bright pink pollinator bed features Gayfeather, Coneflower, and Bee Balm.
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Monarda flowers provide a large landing area for flying insects.
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Some species of Monarda are quite interesting, and are commonly used in cut flower arrangements.
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Videos
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How to successfully cultivate Bee Balm plants.
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An introduction to Bee Balm.
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Learn about these great pollinator plants.
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All about the edibility of these beautiful ornamentals.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 445, Monarda
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
