Monarda punctata aka Bee Balm
Taxonomy
Monarda punctata, also known as spotted beebalm or horsemint, is a herbaceous plant in the mint family native to eastern Canada, the eastern United States, and northeastern Mexico. This aromatic, erect perennial ranges from 6 inches to nearly 3 feet tall and can be found in dry forests and over rocky areas. It produces rosettes of yellowish, purple-spotted, tubular flowers in whorls, forming a dense, elongated spike at the end of the stem or from leaf axils. Each whorl is subtended by large, conspicuous, whitish, purple-tinged, leaf-like bracts. Monarda punctata is a clump-forming plant that contains thymol, an antiseptic and fungicide, and historically has been used to treat upset stomachs, colds, diarrhea, neuralgia, and kidney disease. Its medium flammability rating makes it a suitable addition to a garden or landscape.
Common names
Bee Balm, Horse Mint, Dotted MonardaHow to care for Bee Balm
Difficulty
Caring for Bee Balm is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Bee Balm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Bee Balm 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.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Bee Balm prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Bee Balm to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
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.
Fertilizer
The Bee Balm 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.
Growth-pattern
The Bee Balm is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.
Region of origin
Bee Balm’s native range is N. America - Louisiana and Florida, north to Long Island.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Monarda Genus
Monarda pectinata Plains Beebalm
Monarda citriodora Lemon Beebalm
Monarda clinopodioides Basil Beebalm
Monarda bradburiana Eastern Beebalm
Monarda russeliana Russell's Henbit
Monarda clinopodia Basil Beebalm
Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot
