Monarda punctata

Monarda punctata: Spotted Beebalm

Unlike its showier cousins, Monarda punctata offers a distinctive beauty with whorled, tubular yellow flowers spotted in purple, framed by showy pink to lavender bracts. This upright, airy native brings a soft, architectural quality to naturalistic plantings. Blooming from midsummer into early fall, it’s a powerhouse for pollinators, especially native bees and predatory wasps, which flock to its nectar-rich blooms. Aromatic foliage, drought tolerance, and deer resistance make it a tough and attractive choice for dry, sunny gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 30–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Yellow with purple spots, with pink to lavender bracts
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Aromatic, lance-shaped green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, sandy or well-drained soils

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for xeriscapes, wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and sandy or lean soils where other perennials struggle. Its upright habit and layered flower structure add lightness and movement to planting schemes, and its ecological value makes it a must-have for habitat-based designs.

Companion Plants: Pair with Echinacea pallida, Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation', and Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' for a resilient, sun-loving combination that brings texture and long bloom through the summer months.

Care Instructions: Prefers full sun and well-drained, even sandy soils. Very drought tolerant once established. Avoid heavy or overly moist soil. Cut back in fall or early spring. May self-seed modestly in open conditions.

History: Native to the eastern and southern regions of North America, Monarda punctata has long been valued in traditional medicine and habitat gardens. Its unique floral structure and adaptability have made it a favourite for ecological and native planting schemes.

Final Thoughts: With its unusual beauty and unmatched pollinator appeal, Monarda punctata offers both design interest and ecological richness. A subtle yet captivating presence in dry, sunny gardens.