Lemon beebalm Monarda citriodora
ABOUT
Monarda citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Beebalm, is a visually striking plant that features a unique floral arrangement and fragrant foliage. The most prominent characteristic of Lemon Beebalm is its flowers, which are typically found in shades of lavender and purple. The flowers cluster together forming a spiky, tiered arrangement atop elongated stems, with each individual tubular flower wrapped in a small, tubular bract. These flowers are known to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds to gardens. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped and have a noticeably serrated margin, which adds to its textured appearance. The foliage exudes a pleasant lemony scent when crushed or brushed against, lending the plant its common name. This fragrance is not only appealing to humans but also can deter certain pests. Lemon Beebalm exhibits a bushy growth habit with stems that can become densely packed with leaves, giving the plant a lush appearance. The color of the leaves ranges from bright green to a darker hue, forming a vivid contrast with the purple flowers. Overall, Lemon Beebalm is a delightful addition to any garden, providing visual interest with its distinctive blossoms and aromatic presence.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Lemon Mint, Lemon Beebalm, Purple Horsemint, Lemon Horsemint, Lemon Bergamot, Plains Horsemint.
Common names
Monarda citriodora var. citriodora, Monarda dispersa, Monarda citriodora subsp. austromontana.
ToxicityTo humans
Lemon Beebalm is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity or poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, like with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible, and consumption of plant parts in large quantities is not advisable without proper knowledge or guidance.
To pets
Lemon Beebalm is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. As with humans, pets can have individual sensitivities and may experience gastrointestinal upset if they ingest large quantities of the plant. Always monitor your pet's health and consult a veterinarian if you suspect any adverse reactions after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Monarda citriodora is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which is beneficial for pollination in gardens and ecosystems.
- Aromatic foliage: The leaves of the plant have a citrus-like fragrance which can add a pleasant scent to gardens and landscapes.
- Culinary uses: The leaves can be used to add flavor to teas, salads, and other dishes, offering a unique taste experience.
- Ornamental value: With its showy flowers and striking foliage, Monarda citriodora serves as an attractive addition to ornamental gardens.
- Easy to grow: This plant is relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Monarda citriodora is tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Soil improvement: It can help in improving soil quality by attracting beneficial insects that aid in pollination and pest control.
- Natural pest repellent: The aromatic oils present in the foliage can act as a natural deterrent to certain pests, promoting a healthier garden.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial activity: Monarda citriodora has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol in its essential oils.
- Antioxidant effects: The plant contains antioxidants that can help to neutralize free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of some chronic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds in the plant are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in alleviating conditions that involve inflammation.
- Digestive aid: Lemon beealm has been traditionally used to help with digestive issues, including reducing gas and bloating.
- Skin care: The essential oil or extracts from the plant may be used in skin care for its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for certain skin conditions.
- Relief of respiratory symptoms: It has been suggested that Monarda citriodora might help in relieving respiratory symptoms like coughs due to its possible expectorant properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Monarda citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Beebalm, can be used as a natural fabric dye, imparting a range of colors from soft yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- The crushed leaves of Lemon Beebalm can be rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent due to their strong citrusy scent that many insects find unappealing.
- Lemon Beebalm flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful, lemon-flavored garnish in salads, pastries, or desserts, adding a touch of elegance and flavor.
- The aromatic leaves of Lemon Beebalm can be included in homemade potpourri mixtures, contributing a fresh lemon scent and a decorative element to the blend.
- As a companion plant in vegetable gardens, Lemon Beebalm can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many crops.
- Dried Lemon Beebalm can be sewn into sachets and placed in drawers or closets to impart a pleasant scent and to freshen up the stored clothing and linen.
- When added to bathwater, the leaves of Lemon Beebalm can create a fragrant and soothing bath soak, providing a spa-like experience at home.
- It can be used to flavor homemade jellies and syrups, infusing them with a unique citrus-like taste reminiscent of lemons.
- Lemon Beebalm seeds can be used as a decorative element in handicrafts, such as embedded in homemade papers or candles for added texture and visual interest.
- The plant can be used in landscaping as a natural aid for erosion control due to its ability to grow in diverse conditions and spread easily.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lemon Beebalm is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lemon Beebalm is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attracts Positive Energy: Monarda citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Beebalm, is believed to beckon positivity and good vibrations into a space due to its bright and cheerful flowers.
- Healing: The medicinal properties associated with Lemon Beebalm symbolize the plant's capacity to promote healing, both physically and emotionally.
- Friendship: With its inviting aroma and propensity to attract pollinators, Lemon Beebalm represents social connections and the forging of new friendships.
- Purity: The clean, citrus scent of Lemon Beebalm is often associated with cleanliness, virtue, and purity.
- Harmony with Nature: As a plant that appeals to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, Lemon Beebalm symbolizes living in harmony with nature and the natural world.
WaterBee Balm, also known as Monarda citriodora, requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged; an inch of water weekly is sufficient. If the weather is particularly hot, increasing the amount of water to two inches may be beneficial. During the growing season, make sure to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightBee Balm thrives best in full sunlight, with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Perfect spots for planting Monarda citriodora would be in open areas away from larger plants that might cast shade or eastward-facing locations that provide morning sunlight and cooler afternoon conditions. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in regions with very hot summers, but optimal flowering occurs with ample sunshine.
TemperatureBee Balm is hardy and can endure a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit but may die back and go dormant until warmer weather returns. The ideal temperature range for Monarda citriodora is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage robust growth and prolific flowering.
PruningPruning Bee Balm is essential for preventing powdery mildew and promoting vigorous growth. Prune back the plant by about one-third in the early spring to encourage branching and after the first bloom in the summer to stimulate a second bloom. Also, remove any dead or diseased stems whenever noticed to maintain plant health. Late fall is the best time for the final pruning to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLemon Beebalm thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite would create an ideal environment for growth.
RepottingLemon Beebalm does not typically require frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingLemon Beebalm prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, with well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMonarda citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Beebalm, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring when soil temperatures are warm enough, requiring sunlight to initiate the process. The seed sprouts and develops into a seedling with a small rosette of leaves close to the ground. As it grows, a sturdy stem shoots upwards, producing lance-shaped leaves and branching to form a bushy plant. By early to mid-summer, it reaches maturity and produces whorls of tubular, lavender to pink flowers arranged in a spiky inflorescence, attractive to a variety of pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers give way to small, brown nutlets which are the seeds for the next generation. The plant completes its cycle in the fall when it starts to die back after seeding, although it can reappear from the seeds or rhizomes the following spring if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Monarda citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Beebalm, is often propagated by seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, which promotes healthy germination and growth. To propagate Lemon Beebalm from seed, simply scatter the seeds over a well-drained soil surface and press them lightly into the soil for good seed-to-soil contact; however, do not cover the seeds with soil as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 40 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are robust enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final growing location, ideally in an area with full sun to partial shade and in soil that remains slightly moist.
