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