Phonetic: mo-NAR-da punk-TAH-tah
First photo courtesy of Leonardo DaSilva
Spotted Bee Balm is a pollinator magnet. Aromatic and colorful, the lavender-pink and yellow petals are actually leafy bracts that surround the true flower. Attractive to a multitude of pollinators, it is a favorite source of nectar for the rare Karner Blue butterfly. It strongly prefers full sun and dry sandy soil, where it will thrive along with other low-growing species. This biennial self-seeds readily on open soil but is not overly aggressive.
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Native Northeast Region: USDA Database
- Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Bloom Time: July, August, September
- Soil Type: Medium - Dry
- Mature Plant Size: 2'H, 1'W
- Plant Spacing: 1'
- Host Plant: Raspberry Pyrausta, Southern Purple Mint Moth and Gray Marvel Moth
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
- Advantages: Aromatic, deer resistant, drought tolerant, low maintenance, used in teas
- Landscape Uses: Butterfly garden, cut flower, mass planting, perennial borders
- Companion Plants: Big Bluestem, Black Eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Foxglove Beardtongue, Little Bluestem, Smooth Blue Aster
- Deer Resistant
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