Monarda punctata (Spotted Bee Balm)
$8.00
Out of stock
Size: 3’ tall / 2-3’ wide
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil: Well-Drained, Medium
Bloom Time: Summer
Deer Resistance: 4/5
Ecotype: Virginia
Out of all of our native Monardas, I believe Spotted Bee Balm has the most unique flowers-- multitiered whorls of yellow flowers with purple spots sit above pinkish bracts. This is a short-lived perennial that does well in sandy, leaner soils (too rich of soil can decrease the lifespan). It will spread minimally by rhizomes and through self-seeding. It is mostly native to the Piedmont and coast of Virginia, though there are occurrences in the ridge and valley region.
Spotted Bee Balm has a long bloom time and attracts many bees, wasps, moths, and butterflies. It serves as a larval host plant for the Raspberry Pyrausta butterfly. Like other Monardas, it is susceptible to powdery mildew, though this does not kill the plant.