Monarda punctata - Horsemint seeds

Monarda punctata
Spotted beebalm, Horsemint

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per pack of 350 seeds approximately (0,2g)

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Price per item 3,90 €
Price for 3: 10,50 € i.e 3,50 € each

Sku: 232021

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A perennial aromatic plant prized for its unusual flowers and fragrant foliage reminiscent of bergamot. This monarda is ideal for greening a natural corner in the garden, in the sun, even in fairly dry sandy soils. Its summer flowering attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Height at maturity

50 cm

Exposure

Sun

Germination time (days)

21 days

Sowing method

Direct sowing, Sowing under cover

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Sowing period February to April, October to November

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FEB F

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MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

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NOV N

DEC D

Flowering time June to September

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

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Description

The Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) is a native aromatic perennial plant from eastern North America that blooms all summer. Its small flowers surrounded by colourful bracts are arranged in whorls, giving the flowering an unusual and charming appearance. Appreciated by pollinators, this beautiful bee balm thrives in sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. It will bring a delightful rural touch to flower meadows and wildflower beds.

A member of the Lamiaceae family, Spotted Bee Balm is perennial or sometimes biennial depending on the climate. It is a botanical species that grows in sandy and coastal meadows ranging from Quebec to Florida, and down to Texas. It is found in rather dry, often disturbed areas, on poor soils. This fast-growing plant reaches between 30 cm and 60 cm in height. Its square, brownish or purple stems, bear lanceolate, green, 2 to 7 cm long leaves, arranged oppositely which are aromatic when crushed. Its small tubular flowers are dotted with purple on a light yellow background. They are carried in staggered whorls on the stem, surrounded by bracts in shades of pink, lavender, or cream. Flowering occurs from June to September, followed by the formation of small seeds in brownish capsules. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous. This means that its leaves fall at the end of the growing season, typically in autumn, before the plant goes dormant for the winter. This bee balm is often described as a plant with a relatively short lifespan, but it can persist in the garden through self-seeding.

The Spotted Bee Balm is charming in naturalised meadows, especially on poor, sandy soils. It adds a wild touch to flower beds, while attracting a variety of wildlife. Pair it with American plants that thrive in similar environments, such as Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed), a grass like Schizachyrium scoparium, Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus', and Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun'.

The young leaves can be used like marjoram, in salads or to flavour sauces.

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Family sheet

Modified the 16 September 2025 by Valérie 13 min.

Monarda: planting, growing and care

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<a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/perennials/perennials-by-variety/monarda-bee-balm.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monarda</a> is a lovely perennial plant that offers a profusion of frilly, original, and decorative flowers in summer. Among the most well-known species is Monarda didyma, a species whose highly aromatic leaves were used in infusions by Native Americans, earning it the names "Oswego Tea" and "Red Bergamot". Very popular, Red Monarda is also one of the varieties favoured by gardeners, but the different species and cultivars come in a wide range of colours from white (M. 'Schneewittchen') to mauve (M. fistulosa menthifolia) and pink (M. 'Croftway Pink'). In addition to its charming, melliferous flowers, which are highly appreciated by bees, Monarda also has the advantage of bearing a highly aromatic foliage. Its scent combines mint and bergamot… hence its third name, "Bergamot Monarda"! It is highly valued in infusions but also in cooking, where it enhances many dishes, sauces, or beverages. Its medicinal properties, particularly antibacterial and digestive, are also used in herbal medicine. In the garden, Monardas are easy to use. They suit many garden styles, bringing colour and whimsy. They shine just as brightly at the edge of a vegetable garden, in an herb garden, or in a mixed border of an English garden. Natural and wild, they are simply perfect alongside grasses, Asters, and Echinaceas in naturalistic style gardens. [caption id="attachment_38860" align="aligncenter" width="1172"]<img class="wp-image-38860 size-full" src="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/blogwp/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/monarde-plusieurs-couleurs.jpg" alt="Monarda, several colours." width="1172" height="233" /> Monardas come in a beautiful palette of colours.[/caption] Hardy and low-maintenance, Monarda is an easy perennial that thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soils. It only fears very poor soils (a spring application of compost is sufficient for its needs), wet lands, and confined spaces that promote the appearance of powdery mildew, the only benign disease known to affect it. Once established, it is a perennial that spreads quickly, forming a large clump. It is sometimes criticised for this dynamism, but rest assured: it is quite easy to contain, and a few strikes with a spade are enough to limit its expansion!

Flowering

Flower colour multicoloured

Flowering time June to September

Inflorescence Cluster

Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour medium green

Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Foliage description Its fragrance is reminiscent of bergamot.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm

Spread at maturity 30 cm

Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Monarda

Species

punctata

Family

Lamiaceae

Other common names

Spotted beebalm, Horsemint

Botanical synonyms

Monarda arkansana, Monarda correllii

Origin

North America

Product reference • 23202

Planting and care

Direct sow Punctate Monarda (Monarda punctata) in the ground in autumn or spring. Before sowing, it is important to prepare the soil by carefully weeding it and ensuring that it is well-drained, preferably sandy or light.

The seeds require cold stratification to germinate, meaning they need to spend several weeks at low temperatures to break their dormancy. For this, you can either sow directly in late autumn, letting nature handle this cold period, or keep the seeds in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks before sowing in spring.

Once the seeds are sown, only lightly cover them with soil, as they require some light to germinate. Under optimal conditions, germination occurs in 2 to 4 weeks. Punctate Monarda thrives in full sun, tolerates poor and fairly dry soils. It requires little watering once established and does not need fertiliser, making it an ideal plant for naturalised meadows.

It is important to grow this monarda in well-drained soil to avoid excessive moisture that can lead to root rot. Also, remember to deadhead the flowers to promote new flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding if you do not want it to naturalise in your garden.

Sowing period

Sowing period February to April, October to November

Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover

Germination time (days) 21 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow

Type of use Border

Hardiness Hardy down to -20.5°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Exposure Sun

Soil pH Acidic, Neutral

Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-drained, sandy