This herbaceous perennial is native to North America where it grows in prairies, dry rocky woods, tickets, and abandoned areas in most of the US. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes basil, ajuga and sage. With a deep root system and creeping rhizomes, plants form clumps 3-4′ tall and 2-3′ wide and have several erect square stems carrying lanceolats grayish-green leaves that are 2-3″ long, aromatic, and have toothed margins. For several weeks in summer, terminal clusters of 20-50 two lipped, tubular pink to lavender flowers appear. The clusters are 1.5″ long and subtended by a whorl of pinkish bracts. The flowers attract pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and are attractive in fresh and dried arrangements. Native Americans used the plant medicinally and the leaves can be used to make tea. The plant is a good choice for a xeriscape and cottage, native plant, wildflower, butterfly, pollinator, wildlife, bird, meadow, herb and cutting gardens. The genus name, Monarda, honors Nicholas Monardes ((1493-1588), a Spanish physician and botanist. The specific epithet, fistulosa, is the Latin word meaning pipe-shaped, hollow, or full of holes.
Type: Perennial
Bloom: Clusters of tubular, two-lipped, lavender to pink flowers over a long bloom time in summer
Size: 2-4′ H 2-3′ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates some shade
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline; drought tolerant
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom;
Pests and Diseases: Powdery mildew, rust
Propagation: Seed (tends to self-seed), division
Companion Plants: Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolatata), showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
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