Monarda citriodora (Lemon beebalm)

Botanical name

Monarda citriodora

Other names

Lemon beebalm, Lemon bee balm, Purple horsemint, Lemon mint, Plains horsemint, Lemon horsemint, Purple lemon mint

Genus

Monarda Monarda

Species

M. citriodora - M. citriodora is a clump-forming annual or biennial with upright, square stems bearing narrowly lance-shaped, toothed, mid- to bright green leaves and tiered whorls of fragrant, tubular, two-lipped, lavender, pink, or white flowers from late spring to late summer.

Native to

Central United States, Mexico, Southern United States

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Leaves smell of lemons when crushed.

Habit

Clump-forming, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Lavender in Spring; Lavender in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Cut back or remove in autumn.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in autumn or spring. Tends to self-seed readily in ideal growing conditions.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Monarda citriodora (Lemon beebalm) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, Wildlife

Cultivation

Prefers sandy or rocky, limestone-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of conditions. Protect from winter wet.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Monarda citriodora (Lemon beebalm)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/