Bradbury's Bee Balm

Bradbury's Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana)

Bradbury's Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana) is a native, early-blooming perennial known for its soft pink to lavender flowers and aromatic green foliage. Ideal for pollinator gardens, borders, and naturalized plantings, it adds subtle color, texture, and ecological benefits to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.

Distinctive Features

This variety produces clusters of soft pink to lavender, tubular flowers in late spring to early summer. The fragrant, mint-scented foliage adds texture and resists deer. Nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity. Its compact, clump-forming habit is perfect for naturalized spaces or wildflower gardens.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately moist soil but is adaptable to drier conditions once established.
• Water: Requires moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Naturalized Areas: Ideal for wildflower plantings and natural spaces.
• Borders: Adds early-season color and fragrance.
• Cottage Gardens: Blends beautifully in informal, naturalistic designs.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant thereafter.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Winter Care: Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring.

Why Choose Bradbury's Bee Balm?

• Early Blooms: Provides early-season nectar for pollinators.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Native Plant Benefits: Enhances local ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established.

For early-season color, pollinator support, and low-maintenance beauty, Bradbury's Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana) is an excellent choice for naturalized plantings, borders, and pollinator gardens.