Bee Balm/Horsemint
Monarda fistulosa
Bee Balm/Horsemint (Monarda fistulosa) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 in tall and 24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water24 in tall and 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Hornbaker Chelsi, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 3: Hardyplants at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24 in tall and 24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Bloom color
- pink, purple
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyRhizomatous in moist soil; less aggressive in dry CO conditions
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bee Balm/Horsemint good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Bee Balm/Horsemint is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Bee Balm/Horsemint?
- The main things to know: Rhizomatous in moist soil; less aggressive in dry CO conditions
- How big does Bee Balm/Horsemint get?
- It matures to about 24 in tall and 24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Bee Balm/Horsemint?
- Space Bee Balm/Horsemint about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Bee Balm/Horsemint hardy on the Front Range?
- Bee Balm/Horsemint is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Bee Balm/Horsemint need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Bee Balm/Horsemint native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Bee Balm/Horsemint deer-resistant?
- Bee Balm/Horsemint is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Bee Balm/Horsemint a good firewise plant near the house?
- Bee Balm/Horsemint is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Bee Balm/Horsemint bloom?
- Bee Balm/Horsemint blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
