Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Photo courtesy of Spotswood Greenery
Monarda bradburiana
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Bradbury's bee balm flowers in late spring, weeks ahead of the other monardas, which puts nectar out when little else has opened. Monarda bradburiana is a native perennial growing 1 to 2 feet tall and wide in full sun to part sun, hardy from Zone 5 through Zone 8.
The flowers are pale pink to nearly white, spotted with purple inside the tubes, carried in the shaggy heads the genus is known for. Hummingbirds and bees come to them, and the foliage feeds hummingbird clearwing moth caterpillars.
Mildew resistance is better than most bee balms, so the foliage stays clean through humid summers rather than greying out by August. Fall color runs reddish.
This grows wild in dry open woods and on rocky slopes, so unlike most bee balms it handles dry ground and does not need consistent moisture. It stays put rather than running, which makes it easier to place than the spreading species. Deer leave it alone.
Height 1'- 2' Spread 1'- 2'
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8
Lowest Temperatures -20°F to -10°F
Full sun to part sun- at least 4 hours direct sun per day
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
AL, AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, OK, TN, TX
Fragrant
