Bee Balm Monarda for the South

The Monarda family is filled with lovely flowering plants that are also aromatic herbs. Many have been used in herbal medicine for years by Native Americans. They make delightful tasting teas and are also used in potpourris. Most Monardas bloom in the spring, but a few, like Spotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata) bloom in the late summer and fall. Wildlife including hummingbirds and butterflies use the flowers. Most are easy to grow and spread by thin rhizome like roots or seeds.
 

Bergamot, Bee Balm Monarda fistulosa

Monarda fistulosa is well suited for the southern United States. It is a perennial plant that grows 2 to 4 feet (sometimes 6 feet) tall with pink, white to purple ball shaped blossoms in late spring to early to mid summer. As with M. didyma, all parts of the plants are aromatic and make good tasting tea, either alone or in combination with other herbs. It is also said to draw out bee stings. Unlike M. didyma, M. fistulosa will bloom consistently in the coastal south.
 

Bee Balm, Monarda Fistulosa by naturegirl7

How to Grow

M. fistulosa is a hardy, easy to grow perennial and is happy in full sun to part shade. It prefers rich soil, but acid soil, poor sand or clay is okay. Soil that is moist to dry is fine and it will even tolerate some wetness in the winter.

Propagation: The rhizomes of M. fistulosa often colonize, so they can be propagated by root division, seed or by cuttings.

The Native Americans used Monarda fistulosa in much the same way as they used Monarda didyma, to treat colds and the flu.
 

Hummingbird Moth Postcard by naturegirl7

Spotted Horsemint, M. punctata by naturegirl7

Spotted Horsemint, Monarda punctata

The unusual creamy yellow blooms with purple spots of M. punctata are butterfly magnets. This drought tolerant, short lived perennial grows to about 3 feet tall so the plants are good additions to the rear of a border. It prefers full sun (to part shade in the lower south) and well drained sandy soil of average fertility. it tolerates salt spray, so it can be grown by the seashore. It is perfect for the back of a flower border, a butterfly garden or a natural meadow area.

Propagate by root division, but it is easier by seed.

History and Medicinal Use

Like the other members of the Monarda family, Horsemint contains Thymol, an effective natural fungicide and bactericide. A tea made from its leaves was used by Native Americans to treat colds, flu and fever. It increases sweating. It was also used to expel hookworms.

Monarda punctata pdf fact sheet from U. Florida
 

Spotted Horsemint, Monarda punctata by naturegirl7