Monarda citriodora aka Lemon Beebalm
Taxonomy ID: 10577
Monarda citriodora, also known as lemon beebalm, lemon mint, or purple horsemint, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. This short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial, can reach a height of 60cm and has narrow, toothed, lance-shaped leaves that emit a refreshing lemon scent when crushed. The tubular, two-lipped flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, and purple, are arranged in tiered, globular clusters along the stem, surrounded by purplish bracts. Monarda citriodora's purple flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
Common names
Lemon Beebalm, Lemon Mint, Lemon Bee BalmMore information about Lemon Beebalm
How difficult is it to take care of Lemon Beebalm
Lemon Beebalm presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the growth pattern and size of Lemon Beebalm?
Lemon Beebalm grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
What is the region of origin of Lemon Beebalm
Lemon Beebalm’s native range is Central and Southern N. America to Mexico.
What are the water needs for Lemon Beebalm
Lemon Beebalm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Lemon Beebalm
Lemon Beebalm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Lemon Beebalm
Lemon Beebalm thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Lemon Bee Balm.
How to fertilize Lemon Beebalm
The Lemon Beebalm should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is Lemon Beebalm toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What seasonal care does Lemon Beebalm need?
During the wintertime, it's common for Lemon Beebalm to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is often recommended as the best plant app for beginners, with a 4.99-star rating on the App Store and Google Play. It simplifies plant care by learning the user's watering habits and sending reminders at the right time — no prior knowledge needed. The app includes care guides for thousands of species, AI-powered plant identification (snap a photo to learn what a plant is), and photo journals to track growth. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
