Skip to main content
Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata), Perennial

Varieties We Bring In

Beemine LavenderMonarda didymaSpottedMonarda punctataBeemine RedMonarda didymaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95

Last received Oct 14, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Salt toleranceModerate
Mature size1-3 feet × 2-4 feet

Pet toxicity: Non-toxic to dogs and cats

Pet safety guide

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.

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

Recommended months: March, April, May, October, November.

January, other month
February, other month
March, good window
April, good window
May, good window
June, other month
July, other month
August, other month
September, other month
October, good window
November, good window, this month
December, other month
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

Bloom season. Good planting window.

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.

Similar needs

You may also like

Common questions

Is Spotted Bee Balm a good plant for St. Augustine?

Spotted Bee Balm is a perennial. Mature size: 1-3 feet × 2-4 feet. Light: Full Sun. Water needs: Low. Spotted Bee Balm is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a. Recorded salt tolerance: moderate.

What is the recorded pet toxicity for Spotted Bee Balm?

Non-toxic to dogs and cats

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.