Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm)

Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm) is a short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial, boasting showy clusters of scented, two-lipped, tubular, lavender to pink flowers resting upon white or lavender bracts. Blooming for weeks from late spring to mid-summer, they are borne in tiered, globular clusters around the stem and attract scores of butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators to the garden. If watered, Lemon Bee Balm will continue flowering through the end of summer and even into fall. Each flowering stem usually carries between 2-6 flower clusters. Stiff and square, the stems are lined with pairs of narrow, toothed, lance-shaped leaves that release a citrus or lemony scent when rubbed or crushed. The leaves may be used raw or cooked for flavoring in salads and for tea. Long-blooming, easy to grow, low care, Lemon Bee Balm is best suited to perennial borders, naturalized areas, prairies, and meadows.

• Grows up to 12-30 in. tall (30-75 cm) and 9-12 in. wide (22-30 cm). Self-seeds freely to form large colonies. May become aggressive in optimum growing conditions.
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow it to dry out in summer. Drought tolerant.
• This showy plant is a striking addition to cottage gardens, herb gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, and meadows.
• Monarda flowers attract streams of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, but this plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
• Generally pest-free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
• Deadhead regularly, then cut stems down to the ground in the fall.
• Propagate by seed or division. Spread the seed evenly and rake into loose topsoil in fall or early spring.
• Native to central and southern United States, and northern Mexico.
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• Bee Balm belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, which also includes well-known culinary herbs such as lavender, rosemary, basil, sage, and oregano.