General Culture:
Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and some drought. Plants need good air circulation. Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. Tends to self-seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Spotted beebalm is native to the eastern U.S. and typically occurs in dryish soils on prairies, sandy areas and coastal plains. It is uncommon in the state of Missouri, but has primarily been found in several eastern counties adjacent to the Mississippi River. A clump-forming, mint family member that features branching or simple, square stems which rise typically to 1-2' tall. Yellow, two-lipped flowers which are spotted with purple appear in the upper leaf axils and stem ends in two or more tiered, but interrupted, stem-ringing clusters, each cluster being subtended by (resting upon) a whorl of showy, pinkish, leafy bracts. The toothed, aromatic, oblong leaves (to 3") may be used in teas. Long summer bloom period.
Problems:
Powdery mildew can be a significant problem with the monardas, particularly in crowded gardens with poor air circulation. This species has mildew resistance however. Rust can also be a problem.
Uses:
Provides color and contrast for the perennial border, wild garden, native plant garden, herb garden, meadow or naturalized planting.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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