Bradbury’s Bee Balm

Bradbury’s Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana)

Bradbury’s Bee Balm is a versatile, clump-forming perennial known for its pale pink to lavender blooms and fragrant foliage. Blooming earlier than most bee balms, this native plant provides essential nectar to a variety of pollinators. Its aromatic leaves have traditional medicinal uses, and it thrives in diverse garden settings, from meadows to pollinator gardens. Bradbury’s Bee Balm supports biodiversity while adding a splash of color to your landscape.

Key Characteristics:

• Critical Nectar Source for Pollinators
  Bradbury’s Bee Balm attracts a wide array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). Its early blooms from May to June are crucial for supporting pollinators before summer flowers emerge.

• Medicinal Uses of Leaves and Flowers
  Traditionally, the leaves of Bradbury’s Bee Balm have been used in teas and poultices to soothe digestive issues and treat minor skin irritations. Its aromatic oils also have mild antiseptic properties, making it a valuable plant in herbal medicine.

• Host Plant for Specialist Bees
  This plant is an essential host for long-tongued bees like the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) and the threatened Rusty-patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis), supporting their life cycles by providing food and habitat.

• Adaptable to Dry and Rocky Soils
  Bradbury’s Bee Balm thrives in dry to medium soils, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. Its drought tolerance and adaptability to rocky, sandy soils make it perfect for challenging garden spaces.

• Stunning Addition to Pollinator Gardens and Meadows
  With its striking, early-season blooms and aromatic foliage, Bradbury’s Bee Balm integrates beautifully into pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalistic landscapes. It pairs well with other native species, enhancing biodiversity in meadow plantings.

Product Details:

• Native Range: Central and Eastern United States
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained
• Mature Height: 1-2 feet
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Color: Pale pink to lavender
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Bradbury’s Bee Balm is a pollinator-friendly, drought-tolerant native that supports specialist bees and hummingbirds. Its medicinal and ecological benefits make it a valuable addition to any garden or meadow.