When does basil beebalm bloom?

Basil beebalm typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of pale lavender-white blooms atop square stems.

What pollinators visit basil beebalm?

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds regularly visit basil beebalm for nectar, and it is often recommended in pollinator plantings for shaded and part-sun sites.

How much light does basil beebalm need?

This plant grows best in part sun but adapts to part shade or fuller shade, making it a good fit for woodland edges and dappled understory plantings.

How much water does basil beebalm require?

Basil beebalm prefers medium moisture but tolerates somewhat drier soil once established, especially in shadier spots where evaporation is slower.

What growth habit does basil beebalm have?

It is a herbaceous forb that dies back to the ground each year and returns from its roots in spring, typically forming clumps in woodland or edge habitats.

Is Basil Beebalm HOA-friendly?

Basil Beebalm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Basil Beebalm

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Monarda clinopodia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Monarda clinopodia, or basil beebalm, is a woodland perennial that blooms from June through August with pale lavender-white flowers favored by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Basil Beebalm (Monarda clinopodia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, CT, DE, IL and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

Basil beebalm is a native perennial that produces clusters of white or pale pink tubular flowers from June through August. This medium-height plant forms neat clumps and has aromatic foliage similar to its more common red-flowered cousin.

Growing Basil Beebalm

Grow Basil Beebalm in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Basil Beebalm is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter
May spread gradually by underground stems

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are excellent for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the summer months. This native monarda species provides important nectar sources during peak growing season.

Common questions

When does basil beebalm bloom?: Basil beebalm typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of pale lavender-white blooms atop square stems.
What pollinators visit basil beebalm?: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds regularly visit basil beebalm for nectar, and it is often recommended in pollinator plantings for shaded and part-sun sites.
How much light does basil beebalm need?: This plant grows best in part sun but adapts to part shade or fuller shade, making it a good fit for woodland edges and dappled understory plantings.
How much water does basil beebalm require?: Basil beebalm prefers medium moisture but tolerates somewhat drier soil once established, especially in shadier spots where evaporation is slower.
What growth habit does basil beebalm have?: It is a herbaceous forb that dies back to the ground each year and returns from its roots in spring, typically forming clumps in woodland or edge habitats.
Is Basil Beebalm HOA-friendly?: Basil Beebalm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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