Monarda bradburiana - Eastern Bee Balm

Sizes available: HPP #1

Basics: zones 5-8, 12-24" x 12-24", full sun to light shade, pale purple bloom in early summer (these plants are seed grown and will show variation in color), wants good drainage, drought tolerant once established.

Common names: Eastern Bee Balm, Bradbury's Monarda

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin/Distribution: southern and central United States

Habitat: open, rocky woodland and field edges

More: Good pollen and nectar plant, lovely cut flower, cut back after flowering to refresh the foliage or leave the seed heads as they dry into quite engaging bobbles. Bradbury's Bee Balm may self-sow. It is deer resistant, wants good air circulation, is great for rock gardens or the front of a well-drained border. This Bee Balm is an excellent garden plant. Very easy-going and requires different conditions than the larger (and the more mildew-prone) Monarda fistulosa. It looks spectacular with Penstemon hirsutus when their bloom times over lap in the spring. This is a good example of a not-quite-native-to-Maine native plant that plays well with our flora. 

Source: Landscape plugs from Kind Earth Growers

Image credit: Honey Petal Plants