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-wiseDeer-resistant
Online from $11.99 at 1 retailerPhotos
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Monarda fistulosa
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24 in tall and 24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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)
- Bloom color
- pink, purple
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyRhizomatous in moist soil; less aggressive in dry CO conditions
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
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.
