Purple Horsemint Monarda citriodora

Lemon beebalm is an annual or biennial in the mint (Lamiaceae) family native to southern USA and northern Mexico. It has spread eastward and can be found in several southern states. Lemon beebalm grows on slopes and hills, along roadsides or in prairies, meadows, and savannas. Genus name honors Nicholas Monardes, physician and botanist of Seville. The species name refers to the lemon scent.

This plant prefers rocky limestone soil and sandy loam but will adapt to other well-drained soils. It does best in full sun and if happy will reseed and form colonies. Propagation is with seeds that can be planted in the fall or early spring.

The flowers are showy and unusual. Whorl-like clusters of flowers appear in interrupted heads on a square stem from spring through mid-summer. The flowers and leaves have a lemon scent and the leaves are edible. It is deer and rabbit-resistant.

Use this plant in an edible garden, pollinator garden and naturalized areas such as meadows and prairies.  If you like hummingbirds, plant Lemon beebalm in masse to attract them.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems but watch for powdery mildew. Keeping the soil moist will help prevent follicular diseases. May become floppy if over-fertilized.