Monarda bradburiana, also known as Bradburys monarda or Eastern beebalm, is an Arkansas-native perennial. This clump-forming member of the mint family typically grows 1–2 feet tall and features square stems with aromatic, gray-green leaves.
In early to mid-summer, beebalm produces dense, globular flower heads made up of tubular, two-lipped flowers that range from pale pink to whitish with purple spotting. Each flower head is accented by showy, purplish-tinged leafy bracts. The blooms are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The fragrant leaves can be used to make herbal teas, adding both ecological and practical value to native plant landscapes. Beebalm has a long summer bloom period and performs well in naturalized plantings, restoration projects, and pollinator gardens. Some botanical sources list Monarda bradburiana as synonymous with Monarda russeliana, though it is often treated as a distinct species.
Common Name: Eastern beebalm
Type: Perennial
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: May
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Monarda bradburiana, also known as Bradburys monarda or Eastern beebalm, is an Arkansas-native perennial. This clump-forming member of the mint family typically grows 1–2 feet tall and features square stems with aromatic, gray-green leaves.
In early to mid-summer, beebalm produces dense, globular flower heads made up of tubular, two-lipped flowers that range from pale pink to whitish with purple spotting. Each flower head is accented by showy, purplish-tinged leafy bracts. The blooms are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The fragrant leaves can be used to make herbal teas, adding both ecological and practical value to native plant landscapes. Beebalm has a long summer bloom period and performs well in naturalized plantings, restoration projects, and pollinator gardens. Some botanical sources list Monarda bradburiana as synonymous with Monarda russeliana, though it is often treated as a distinct species.
Common Name: Eastern beebalm
Type: Perennial
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: May
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium