Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun with sandy soils and consistent moisture. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and drought. Remove spent flowers to improve plant appearance and possibly to prolong bloom. Spreads by runners to form large clumps, but is not considered to be too aggressive.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Monarda punctata, commonly called spotted beebalm, is a short-lived, herbaceous perennial 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.
Genus name honors Nicholas Monardes (1493-1588), physician and botanist of Seville.
Specific epithet means spotted.
'BeeBop' is a compact, early-flowering selection of spotted beebalm that features showy blooms and fragrant foliage. Mature clumps will reach up to 1.5' tall and spread to fill a similar area. The small, tubular, yellow flowers are held in clusters above pink bracts and are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insect pollinators.
Problems
Powdery mildew can be a serious problem with some of the monardas, particularly in crowded garden areas with poor air circulation. Susceptibility to foliar diseases in general increases if plants are grown in dry soils or are allowed to dry out. Rust is also an occasional problem. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Perennial borders, cottage gardens, meadows, wild gardens and herb gardens. Also effective in containers. Interesting addition to butterfly gardens.