Monarda punctata, commonly known as Spotted Beebalm or Dotted Mint, is a distinctive native perennial known for its whorled, tubular flowers in shades of pale yellow spotted with maroon, surrounded by showy pink to lavender bracts. This plant brings an airy, architectural quality to native plantings and thrives in dry, sandy, or well-drained soils. Blooming from mid-summer into fall, it attracts a wide range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps, making it a powerful addition to any eco-friendly garden.

Why choose Spotted Beebalm:

• Unique appearance: Whorled flowers with pink bracts add a soft, layered texture

• Extended bloom time: Flowers from mid-summer into fall, supporting late-season pollinators

• Heat and drought tolerant: Thrives in tough, dry conditions where many other perennials struggle

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Full sun is ideal, though it will tolerate some light shade

• Soil needs: Prefers sandy or well-drained soils; excellent for dry gardens

• Maintenance: Minimal—deadheading is optional; self-seeds in favorable conditions

Designs for your garden:

• Wildflower meadows: A beautiful addition to dry, sunny native plantings

• Pollinator strips: Perfect for supporting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

• Herbal or medicinal gardens: Historically used for its aromatic and medicinal properties

Ecological benefits:

• Pollinator powerhouse: Supports native bees, butterflies, and predatory wasps

• Diverse habitat: Adds both floral and structural diversity to native gardens

• Low-resource gardening: Thrives with little water, fertilizer, or intervention