Shrubby beebalm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that grows up to 2 feet tall on heavily branched stems. It is endemic to the southern tip of Texas (and perhaps, adjacent Mexico). The species epithet is Latin for “having the habit of a small shrub.” It grows in sandy loam in full sun in arid conditions. This species is ill-adapted to the Carolinas. For better results, choose a beebalm native to the East Coast, such as scarlet beebalm ( M. didyma ) or wild bergamot ( M. fistulosa ) . Native bees and bumblebees are attracted to the fragrant flowers. This species might best be used in a drought-tolerant garden or pollinator garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew can be a problem with all beebalm species, especially in crowded conditions with poor airflow. This species, native to arid regions, might be especially susceptible when grown in humid environments. Rust can also be a problem. More information on Monarda .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Multi-stemmed
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf value
Fragrant
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Green leaves are linear, opposite and sessile (stemless) to subsessile. The tips are acute, sometimes notched, and the bases are tapering. Length up to 1.3 inches.
Flower color
Pink; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Spike
Flower shape
Lipped
Flower detail
Short spikes with evenly spaced rounded flower heads that are pink and white with darker spots along the inside. Bracts are white with pink tinges. Individual flowers are 2-lipped.