Description
Another staple in the SBF early summer meadow is Spotted Bee balm (monarda punctata) — they’re everywhere! I believe these beauties are a main reason SBF honey has such a lovely floral flavor. Native to most of North America, this biennial or short-lived perennial but will reseed readily, sometimes in surprising places! They are not aggressive, however, and to control simply pull plant up with roots where unwanted and deadhead spend flowers to prevent reseeding. Spotted bee balm would also work well as a container plant since it is low maintenance and very drought tolerant. Looks great growing next to Black-eyed susans. Pollinators love it! Also long lasting as a cut flower for for vases.
Duration: biennial / short-lived perennial
Size: 1.5′-2′
Flower: white to lavender
Planting tips: Plant in moist to dry, well-drained soils. Some afternoon shade will help prolong blooms. If in a container, water when top two inches of soil is dry. Deadhead spent blooms, sometime will send up a second round of flowers!
Seed packet contains appx. 50 seeds
