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The Good Plant Company

Beebalm

Beebalm

Monarda fistulosa

Mature Size: 2–4' H x 2–3' W

Regular price $10.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $10.00 USD
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Monarda fistulosa (Zones 3–9) is a foundational pillar of the southeast, recognized for its shaggy, lavender-pink flower heads and aromatic foliage. This straight species is a top performer, noted for its exceptional ecological vigor and its ability to transition seamlessly into a managed landscape. 

This plant is High-Volume Nectar powerhouse, as its tubular blooms are a perfect fit for long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. Members of the genus Monarda support the many specialized bees of North Carolina. Beebalm also serves as a primary nectar source for the Clearwing Hummingbird Moth and various swallowtail butterflies across the Southeast. 

Performance & Site Care

A reliable Clay Specialist, Beebalm thrives in the heavy soils common to the Piedmont and beyond in full sun to part shade. Once established, its deep root system makes it highly Drought Resistant. It is an effective Soil Stabilizer for larger areas. To manage its footprint in a managed garden, cut the stems back by half in May for a bushier habit and more blooms. Powdery mildew can be an issue with all Monarda species. Space your plants at least 18–24 inches apart to ensure proper airflow. Spacing and adequate soil moisture are the most effective ways to prevent powdery mildew.

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Site Function

Clay Specialist
Thrives in heavy, dense clay soils without succumbing to root rot or summer soil contraction.
Drought Resistant
Handles extended dry periods without supplemental watering once established.
Soil Stabilizer
Deep, structural root systems that anchor subsoils, break up compaction, and improve soil structure.
Living Border
Low, tidy, clumping plants that define garden edges and suppress encroaching weeds.

Eco-Role

Pollinator Magnet
Highly attractive floral presentation that draws an exceptionally wide array of native bees and butterflies.
Specialist Host
Serves as a critical larval host for specific, highly specialized butterfly, moth, or insect species.
High-Volume Nectar
Produces heavy nectar yields to fuel high-traffic adult pollinators throughout its bloom cycle.
Bird Food & Cover
Delivers energy-dense seeds or berries alongside structural shelter for nesting and winter protection.