Shrubby Horsemint Monarda fruticulosa
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Monarda punctuata var. fruitciculosa
- Phonetic Spelling
- mo-NAR-da froo-tih-koh-LOH-suh
- Description
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Shrubby beebalm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that grows up to 2 feet tall on heavily branched stems. It is endemic to the southern tip of Texas (and perhaps, adjacent Mexico). The species epithet is Latin for “having the habit of a small shrub.”
It grows in sandy loam in full sun in arid conditions. This species is ill-adapted to the Carolinas. For better results, choose a beebalm native to the East Coast, such as scarlet beebalm (M. didyma) or wild bergamot (M. fistulosa).
Native bees and bumblebees are attracted to the fragrant flowers.
This species might best be used in a drought-tolerant garden or pollinator garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew can be a problem with all beebalm species, especially in crowded conditions with poor airflow. This species, native to arid regions, might be especially susceptible when grown in humid environments. Rust can also be a problem.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Monarda
- Species:
- fruticulosa
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Texas
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts native bees and bumblebees
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Fragrance
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- Nutlets
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Bracts
- Flower Description:
- Short spikes with evenly spaced rounded flower heads that are pink and white with darker spots along the inside. Bracts are white with pink tinges. Individual flowers are 2-lipped.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Green leaves are linear, opposite and sessile (stemless) to subsessile. The tips are acute, sometimes notched, and the bases are tapering. Length up to 1.3 inches.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Dry Soil
- Heat
