Monarda Punctata Care

Drought tolerant but summer watering can keep plants fresh and blooming longer.

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Root basal cuttings in spring.

Compost or all-purpose plant fertilizer (slow-release or liquid)

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Monarda punctata thrives in full sun and dry sandy soil. The species is considered to be a short lived perennial or biennial. Plants reliably emerge from dormancy for 2 years and may reseed after that. The aromatic foliage is unpalatable to deer, rabbits and other herbivores.

Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly.

This species contains very high amounts of potentially toxic thymol, hence the thyme-like odor, and if you must ingest it, use just a little pinch here and there. On the plus side of thymol, it is a fungicide and bacteriacide if used properly. Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-3' tall and unbranched or sparingly so, except for short leafy stems that develop from the axils of the leaves along the central stem. It is usually a short-lived perennial, although some plants may persist for only 1 or 2 years.

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