Beebalm

Monarda spp

Lamiaceae · [VERIFY] · native

Last updated

Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Site Data
Threats
Cultivars
Phenology
GDD Thresholds
Puget Sound

Monarda (Lamiaceae) is a genus of aromatic herbaceous perennials native to North America. Plants grow at a medium rate, producing square stems typical of the mint family and shaggy, tubular flowers in terminal clusters. Species and hybrids are available in red, pink, purple, and white.

Beebalm thrives in full sun with good air circulation on moist but well-drained soil. It tolerates clay. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the plants resist deer and rabbits. Powdery mildew is the primary disease concern; adequate moisture, air circulation, and resistant cultivar selection help manage it. Bloom begins around 1,380 GDD (base 50 F).

Quick Facts

Growth Rate
Medium
Light
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Soil
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Water
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Hardiness
Zone Zone [VERIFY]
Bloom Time
spring, summer
Origin
North America

Phenological Calendar

As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Beebalm typically reaches beginning of flowering at 3864 GDD₃₂, predicted around Jul 17.

Regional Season Tracker

GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026
Station GDD₃₂ Current Stage Next To Go
Issaquah / East King 1,501 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,363
Seattle / UW 1,465 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,399
Kent / Auburn 1,441 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,423
Olympia / Tumwater 1,415 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,449
Bellingham / Whatcom 1,390 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,474
Tacoma / Puyallup 1,381 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,484
Sequim / Rain Shadow 1,343 Pre-season Beginning of flowering 2,521
Stage GDD32 Typical Window
○ Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NEXT 3864 — est. Jul 17 (avg)
Regional estimate
Range: 2711–3098 GDD₃₂ (6yr)

GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.