Bee Balm (Monarda punctata)
Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a unique and ecologically valuable addition to your garden. Its distinctive appearance, pollinator-friendly nature, and charming blooms make it a captivating choice for those seeking to support local wildlife and infuse their outdoor space with individuality. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast or simply wish to attract pollinators to your garden, Bee Balm is a cherished selection for your landscape.
Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a unique and ecologically valuable addition to your garden. Its distinctive appearance, pollinator-friendly nature, and charming blooms make it a captivating choice for those seeking to support local wildlife and infuse their outdoor space with individuality. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast or simply wish to attract pollinators to your garden, Bee Balm is a cherished selection for your landscape.
Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a unique and ecologically valuable addition to your garden. Its distinctive appearance, pollinator-friendly nature, and charming blooms make it a captivating choice for those seeking to support local wildlife and infuse their outdoor space with individuality. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast or simply wish to attract pollinators to your garden, Bee Balm is a cherished selection for your landscape.
Where does it like to grow?
Bee Balm, scientifically known as Monarda punctata, is a captivating native plant that thrives in the diverse landscapes of North Carolina. It's often found in sunny meadows, open woodlands, and along the edges of roads and fields.
What plants does it like to grow with?
Bee Balm is a social herb that flourishes when surrounded by other wildflowers and native grasses. It harmonizes beautifully with species like Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
What pollinator species are attracted to it?
The unique, tubular blossoms of Bee Balm are a magnet for pollinators, particularly bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These industrious insects and birds are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, contributing to the vitality of local ecosystems.
Is it a host plant for any moths or butterflies?
While Bee Balm primarily serves as a nectar source for adult butterflies and moths, it also provides a valuable resting place for various species, enhancing the ecological balance of your garden.
What color is its flower?
Bee Balm captivates with its distinctive, spotted flowers in shades of pale lavender to pink. Its unique blossoms add a touch of character and charm to the natural landscape.
How tall does it get?
Bee Balm is a relatively petite perennial, typically reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet. Its compact growth habit and intriguing flowers make it an intriguing addition to gardens and landscapes.
When does it bloom and for how long?
Bee Balm typically graces us with its unique blooms in mid-summer, generally from June to August. The flowering period can extend for several weeks, ensuring an extended season of beauty and pollinator support.
What type of soil does it like?
Bee Balm thrives in well-drained, sandy soils with good moisture retention. Preparing the right soil conditions is essential to nurture its growth and distinctive characteristics.
How much sunlight or shade does it need?
Bee Balm is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.