eastern beebalm
Monarda bradburiana (eastern beebalm). A member of the Lamiaceae, or mint family, this wonderful perennial makes a strong color statement in the garden with its pink-to-white flowers that often have purple flecks. Eastern bee balm does best in full-sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
The plant is a great naturalizer in the garden, often self-seeding to establish large, dense colonies that require occasional thinning. Hummingbirds and butterflies can’t resist a visit to this beebalm!
Monardas have the bad reputation as sponges for powdery mildew; however, M. bradburiana shows strong mildew resistance. Rust can be a problem for eastern beebalm when grown in areas without adequate airflow or over-watered areas.
| Botanical Name | Monarda bradburiana |
| Common Name | eastern beebalm |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| USDA Zone | 5 thru 8 |
| Light Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Season(s) of interest | all seasons |
| Height and Spread | 1-2ft x 1-2ft (30-60cm x 30-60cm) |
| Flower Color | Pink, White |
| Attracts Wildlife | Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
| Additional Information | Native to US Midwest. Native to Central and Southern United States. |
| Location in Lurie Garden | Northeast Light Plate, Northwest Light Plate, Southeast Light Plate, Southwest Light Plate, Southwest Dark Plate |
Average Flowering Time
