Beebalm is the bee's knees

The genus Monarda (Beebalm) is named after Spainish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes (1493-1588). Even though he never traveled to the North American continent, he was able to study the genus due to Spain’s control of the shipping industry.

There are at least 16 species of Monarda comprised of both annuals and perennials. Tubular blooms are found in a series of circular tiers at the end of the stems in shades from nearly pure white to purple and red. Found mostly in moisture-rich areas, the plants can form large colonies in sun-drenched fields, hillsides, and roadside ditches. Bee balms are an excellent pollinator attractant, entertaining hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and even predatory insects that hunt garden pests. Because of oils found in its roots, bee balm is even used as a companion plant to help deter underground pests like grubs. This oil has been used by Native Americans to treat skin infections and wounds. A tea was made to treat mouth and throat infections, as well. The tea is also said to be a stimulant.

There are several species of Monarda that are native to Texas and northern Mexico. With lavender-colored flowers, Monarda citriodora (Lemon Beebalm or Horsemint) is the most commonly found in central Texas. The species name of citriodora comes from the strong citrus scent when the leaves are crushed. This also leads to its deer resistance. Be sure to let this one go to seed, as it’s an annual. Luckily, the seeds are plentiful.

www.wildflower.org

Monarda lindheimeri (Lindheimer’s beebalm) is a white-blooming perennial beebalm identified by Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879). Lindheimer emigrated from Germany in 1834 and is commonly regarded as the Father of Texas Botany. His house still stands as a museum in New Braunfels.

www.wildflower.org

Monarda fistulosa (Wild beebalm) most commonly blooms pale pink and is one of the taller growing beebalms, reaching up to 5 feet. Fistulosa comes from the Latin word for “porous”.

http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/wild-bergamot

Monarda pringlei (Pringle’s beebalm) is a Mexican native perennial with striking red blooms. It is the most drought-tolerant of the four species outlined here. This species is named after botanist Cyrus Guernsey Pringle (1838-1911), who worked primarily in Mexico and discovered about 1,200 species.

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The plants described above are available for purchase at the nursery. The team at Far South Wholesale Nursery is dedicated to growing plants ideal for Texas environs and making them available to you.