Species dotted beebalm
Lavender flower with stems, lime center, yellow-white anthers, white hair, yellow maroon fliaments, lime buds and leaves.

dotted beebalm

Monarda punctata 'Fantasy'

Dotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata 'Fantasy') is an ornamental perennial herb that produces an abundance of colourful 2-lipped, spotted purple flowers in mid to late summer. It is native to dry, open woods and drier meadows in the Eastern and Midwest parts of North America. Dotted Beebalm grows upright to 1-2 feet tall and wide, and is an excellent choice for a shady garden. Its showy magenta-purple flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves have a distinct aroma. This low-maintenance variety is drought and deer tolerant, making it a popular landscape choice. It should be planted in well-drained soil in full to partial sun.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Dotted Beebalm should be watered every 5-7 days depending on environmental conditions. When watering, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. In hot and dry conditions, the plant may need more frequent watering. To check for moisture levels, stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it is damp, the plant has enough water. If it is dry, it is time to water. When watering Beebalm, make sure to give it a deep, slow soak, until water runs out of the drainage holes. Avoid getting the foliage wet as this increases the risk of disease.

sunlight

For the dotted beebalm (Monarda punctata 'Fantasy') to thrive, it needs full sunlight throughout the day. Providing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is most ideal. However, if the temperatures do become too hot in the afternoon, then you may want to consider providing an afternoon break from the sun. Bright light for the earlier part of the day would help to promote plenty of blooms.

pruning

Dotted beebalm should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. Make sure to prune lightly and do not remove more than 1-third of the plant’s branches and stems. Pruning dotted beebalm encourages good air circulation and helps keep it compact and maintain its bushy form. It is important to wear gardening gloves when pruning as the sap of dotted beebalm is irritant to skin.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Monarda punctata 'Fantasy' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Monarda punctata 'Fantasy' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map