Wild Bee Balm, Lemon Mint
Synonym: Monarda aristata, Monarda dispersa, Monarda tenuiaristata
Family: Lamiaceae
 Show Larger Picture Wild Bee Balm at the Desert Botanical Garden in late June |
Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: All zones USDA: 5-11 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 |
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".
Cultural Practices:
The Lemon Mint prefers moderately fertile, alkaline soil. Space the plants 12 inches apart (30 cm).
Blooming Habits:
The tubular flowers of the monarda are good cut flowers.
References:
Botanica : The Illustrated A-Z of over 10,000 Garden Plants
Gardening in Arizona Home Page |
List of All the Plants |
More in the Lamiaceae family © 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved. |