Wild Bee Balm, Lemon Mint

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun or afternoon shade

Origin: Southern USA, northern Mexico

Growth Habits: Annual, up to 2 feet tall (60 cm), 2 feet spread (60 cm)

Watering Needs: Moderate water

Propagation: Seeds sown in place in spring or fall

Monarda dispersa, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3: 134. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

The Bee Balms are used to make herbal tea and to perfume pot-pourris. They are also cultivated for their ornamental value as well as their scent. They are well loved by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
The genus name is after Nicholas Monardes, a Spanish physician from Seville who wrote in the 16th century about New World medicinal plants. The species name comes from Latin for "citrus smell".

Blooming Habits:
The tubular flowers of the monarda are good cut flowers.

Culture:
The Lemon Mint prefers moderately fertile, alkaline soil. Space the plants 12 inches apart (30 cm).