Bradbury's Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana)
Monarda bradburiana, commonly known as Bradbury's Bee Balm, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry open woods, rocky slopes, and glades in southern Illinois and much of the central U.S. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and partial shade, making it a top choice for drought-tolerant native gardens and pollinator plantings.
This compact species typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features aromatic, opposite leaves and square stems. In late spring to early summer, it produces rounded clusters of tubular, pale pink to lavender flowers with purplish spots. Like other bee balms, the flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Monarda bradburiana is a low-maintenance and ecologically valuable addition to native borders, rock gardens, and dry prairie restorations. It blooms earlier than most other bee balms and provides one of the first reliable nectar sources for spring pollinators. Its tidy form and attractive foliage, which turns reddish in fall, make it a standout for multi-season interest and pollinator support.
Monarda bradburiana, commonly known as Bradbury's Bee Balm, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry open woods, rocky slopes, and glades in southern Illinois and much of the central U.S. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and partial shade, making it a top choice for drought-tolerant native gardens and pollinator plantings.
This compact species typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features aromatic, opposite leaves and square stems. In late spring to early summer, it produces rounded clusters of tubular, pale pink to lavender flowers with purplish spots. Like other bee balms, the flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Monarda bradburiana is a low-maintenance and ecologically valuable addition to native borders, rock gardens, and dry prairie restorations. It blooms earlier than most other bee balms and provides one of the first reliable nectar sources for spring pollinators. Its tidy form and attractive foliage, which turns reddish in fall, make it a standout for multi-season interest and pollinator support.
Monarda bradburiana, commonly known as Bradbury's Bee Balm, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry open woods, rocky slopes, and glades in southern Illinois and much of the central U.S. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and partial shade, making it a top choice for drought-tolerant native gardens and pollinator plantings.
This compact species typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features aromatic, opposite leaves and square stems. In late spring to early summer, it produces rounded clusters of tubular, pale pink to lavender flowers with purplish spots. Like other bee balms, the flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Monarda bradburiana is a low-maintenance and ecologically valuable addition to native borders, rock gardens, and dry prairie restorations. It blooms earlier than most other bee balms and provides one of the first reliable nectar sources for spring pollinators. Its tidy form and attractive foliage, which turns reddish in fall, make it a standout for multi-season interest and pollinator support.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: bluffs; limestone or sandstone glades; meadows in wooded areas; pastures; roadsides; rocky upland forests; savannas; thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: somewhat dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2 feet)
Requirements: partial sun
Soil: thin & rocky