Beebalm
Monarda spp
Lamiaceae · [VERIFY] · native
Last updated
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
Phenological Calendar
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Mar 30, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,116 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,748 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,112 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,752 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,049 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,816 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,048 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,816 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,041 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,823 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,017 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,847 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,012 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 2,852 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NEXT | 3864 | — est. Jul 20 (avg) |
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 Mar 30, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 15, 2026, then climate normals.