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Native alternative(s) for Monarda fruticulosa:
Monarda didyma Flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Allium Alllium
Lavandula angustifolia Form in bloom
Thymus vulgaris Thymus vulgaris

Shrubby Horsemint Monarda fruticulosa

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Monarda punctuate var fruitciculosa
Phonetic Spelling
mo-NAR-da froo-tih-koh-LOH-suh
Description

Spotted Beebalm is a shrubby herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 feet tall on heavily branched stems and is native only to the southern tip of Texas. Native bees and bumblebees are attracted to the fragrant flowers. 

It grows in sandy loam in full sun in arid conditions and may be difficult to find for sale. For best results, choose a monarda native to the east coast. See suggestions to the left.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#white flowers#pink flowers#native bees#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#flowers late spring#sandy soils tolerant#herb garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#white flowers#pink flowers#native bees#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#flowers late spring#sandy soils tolerant#herb garden
  • 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
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    Nutlets
  • 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.
  • 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 bases are tapering. Length up to 1&1/3 inches long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil
    Heat