Monarda clinopodia (Basil Beebalm)

The most shade-tolerant Monarda in cultivation, basil beebalm is a genuine woodland specialist confirmed present in New Jersey directly - and its resistance to powdery mildew makes it a more reliable choice than most of its relatives for humid, crowded plantings.

Species Overview

Monarda clinopodia, commonly called white bergamot or basil beebalm, is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern United States from New Jersey and western New York south to central Alabama and west to Illinois. It reaches 2 to 4 feet tall, found in rich, moist woodlands, wooded ravines, and along streambanks, with terminal clusters of white, purple-dotted flowers blooming from late spring until early fall.

Application

• Woodland garden and shaded meadow plantings - most shade-tolerant Monarda available
• Streambank and moist woodland-edge restoration
• Deer- and rabbit-pressured woodland sites
• Pollinator habitat - bumblebees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Rich, moist woodland soils; tolerates clay; dry to average moisture
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: White; June-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: New Jersey, western New York, and Illinois, south to northern Georgia and central Alabama
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A moist-woodland species tolerant of periodically wet soil.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies, supports moths, supports hummingbirds

Planting Guidance

• Resistant to powdery mildew compared to other Monarda species - a more reliable choice for humid climates or crowded plantings.