Virginia ecotype
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming, slowly spreading by rhizomes
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall; 1 to 2 feet wide
Flowering Time: June to August
Bloom Color: White to pale pink, sometimes with purple spots
Habitat: Open woods, rocky upland forests, woodland edges, moist meadows and stream banks
Moisture: Average to moist; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates short dry spells when in shade
Light: Part sun to shade (tolerates full sun in cooler, moist sites)
Soils: Loamy or silty soils, often rich in organic matter; tolerates clay if moist
Uses: Pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized borders, woodland edges, rain gardens, meadow plantings
Grower's Note: Late in summer this species is susceptible to a white fungus called powdery mildew on its leaves and stems. Especially if planted in shady, wet areas with little air movement. We do not recommend treatment, as this mildew is naturally occurring, and has no impact on flowering or pollinator support, and does not kill plants. It does not spread to other plants.
Monarda clinopodia (White beebalm)
Monarda clinopodia is named White Bergamot or Basil Beebalm. A native perennial in the mint family distinguished by elegant clusters of white to pale pink, sometimes purple-spotted tubular flowers.
This relative of the better-known red or lavender flowered beebalm primarily occurs in the upland and mountainous regions of Virginia. This species is adapted to grow in cooler moist sites; partial sun and shade, where other beebalms may not reach their full potential.
White beebalm's square stems and aromatic leaves are characteristic of the genus and release a pleasant fragrance when crushed, also making it less palatable to deer. Adaptable to woodland edges and meadows, Monarda clinopodia is an excellent plant for semi-shaded garden spaces and dappled meadows. It grows well in full sun, but does have a preference for cool sites and will need more moisture in higher light.
Beebalm is highly attractive to a wide range of pollinators, especially bumblebees, long-tongued bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds that are drawn to its nectar-rich tubular flowers. Like other monardas, Monarda clinopodia serves as a host plant for several moth species and provides forage for native bees, including a few specialist bees.
Its rhizomatous growth allows it to form small colonies, which can help stabilize soils and support pollinator activity in woodland edges and rain gardens.