Perennial
Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
Beemine LavenderMonarda didymaSpottedMonarda punctata
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size1-3 feet × 2-4 feet
About Spotted Bee Balm
Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a native perennial of eastern North America, producing stacked tiers of small, spotted yellow and purple tubular flowers surrounded by showy pink to lavender bracts along upright stems. It is a highly attractive nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and is at home in dry, sandy native plant gardens. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Pink, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun — 6 or more hours of direct sun daily. Spotted bee balm (horsemint) is a Florida native that thrives in NE Florida's sunny conditions and is poorly adapted to shade, where it becomes leggy and bloom is reduced.
Water
Once established, horsemint is drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental irrigation in NE Florida. Water young transplants occasionally until rooted; thereafter, rely on rainfall. Excellent drainage is essential — it will not tolerate wet feet.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in NE Florida's native sandy, well-drained soils with no amendment needed. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary; overly fertile soil promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Cut back hard in late winter before new growth to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
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Common questions
Is Spotted Bee Balm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Spotted Bee Balm is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 1-3 feet × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.