When does Basil Beebalm bloom?

Monarda clinopodia blooms from June through August, producing clusters of white tubular flowers that attract pollinators.

What pollinators visit Basil Beebalm?

Basil Beebalm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich white flowers during summer months.

Where is Monarda clinopodia native?

Basil Beebalm is native to eastern and midwestern states including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What growing conditions does Basil Beebalm prefer?

Monarda clinopodia tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs well in medium moisture soils.

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 (Basil Beebalm) is a native perb blooming June through August across eastern and midwestern states. This white-flowered mint family member attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in partial sun to shade.

Basil Beebalm (Monarda clinopodia) — Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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 437 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?: Monarda clinopodia blooms from June through August, producing clusters of white tubular flowers that attract pollinators.
What pollinators visit Basil Beebalm?: Basil Beebalm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich white flowers during summer months.
Where is Monarda clinopodia native?: Basil Beebalm is native to eastern and midwestern states including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
What growing conditions does Basil Beebalm prefer?: Monarda clinopodia tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs well in medium moisture soils.
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.

Ready to grow Basil Beebalm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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