
BEE-BALM, SPOTTED
Monarda punctata
Spotted bee-balm is a hardy perennial growing to 90 cm, flowering in its first year. The whorls of yellow flowers have purple spots with showy pink/lavender bracts. The plant has a strong oregano scent and is popular with gardeners and herbalists, where it can be made into a tea. Native to the plains of north America it can handle sandy, coastal soils and frost. It attracts bees and other beneficial insects. Flowers can be used for cutting. Also known as horsemint. Not to WA. 50 seeds.
Sowing Instructions
Sow direct to garden after frosts have passed or into pots to transplant once frosts have passed. Keep moist and warm (18+˚C). Slugs love seedlings so provide some protection.
Climate
Cold, Temperate, Hot Arid, Tropics/SubTropics
Germination Type
Fast germinating seeds
Sowing Method
Direct, Transplant
Height
0.9m
Spacing/Spread
0.6m
Sowing Periods
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical/Tropical |
