Southwest Plant of the Month – Beebalm or Bergamot – Monarda fistulosa var. menthifolia

Jul 10, 2020 | Plant of the Month

General Information

Plant Form Flower Plant Size 3′ x 2′
Plant Type Perennial Water Usage Medium
Sunlight Sun, Partial Shade Colors Pink, Purple


Physical Description: 
Lavender to pink flowers clustered in 3″ heads on long leafy stems. Intensely fragrant, minty leaves. Spreads by rhizomes.

Care and Maintenance:  Mildew if irrigated by spray. Spent stems must be cut back to basal rosette.

Gardener’s notes:  Native southwestern mint that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Leaves and flowers used herbally. Related red-flowered beebalm, M. didyma, although often available, suffers in dry heat.

Information from:   https://desertblooms.nmsu.edu/