Eastern Beebalm
Monarda bradburiana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Monarda bradburiana (Eastern Beebalm) is a native wildflower blooming pink to lavender from June through August across the central and southeastern United States. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, IL, IN and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Eastern beebalm is a native perennial that produces clusters of tubular pink to lavender flowers from June through August. This compact wildflower grows in neat clumps and thrives in partial sun with average moisture conditions.
Growing Eastern Beebalm
Grow Eastern Beebalm in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 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
Eastern Beebalm is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Dies back completely in winter
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are especially valuable for hummingbirds, while also attracting native bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Eastern Beebalm bloom?
- Monarda bradburiana blooms from June through August, producing pink to lavender flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Eastern Beebalm?
- Eastern Beebalm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular flowers and nectar.
- Where is Monarda bradburiana native?
- Eastern Beebalm is native to the central and southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- What growing conditions does Eastern Beebalm prefer?
- Monarda bradburiana tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to low water conditions once established, making it suitable for drought-tolerant gardens.
- Is Eastern Beebalm HOA-friendly?
- Eastern Beebalm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Eastern Beebalm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz