An aromatic, erect perennial ranging from only 6 in. to almost 3 ft. tall. Rosettes of yellowish, purple-spotted, tubular flowers occur 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 Care
Monarda Punctata
Other names: Spotted Horsemint, Bee Balm, Horsemint
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How to Care for the Plant
Water
Drought tolerant but summer watering can keep plants fresh and blooming longer.
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Root basal cuttings in spring.
Fertilizer
Compost or all-purpose plant fertilizer (slow-release or liquid)
Sunlight
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil
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.
Temperature
Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly.
Additional
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.
Popularity
105 people already have this plant 29 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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