Lemon Beebalm
With its citrusy scent and whimsical blooms, Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora) is a Texas native that adds charm and utility to any pollinator garden or herbal plot. Sometimes called purple horsemint, this aromatic wildflower is as useful as it is beautiful.
Lemon beebalm
Considerations When Planting
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly until rooted
When to Plant: Sow seeds in fall or early spring
Spacing: Plant 12–18 inches apart
Direct-sow seeds or start indoors and transplant after the last frost. Lemon Beebalm is a reseeding annual, meaning it will often return on its own year after year in favorable conditions.
Bloom & Habitat
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer (May–July in Texas)
Flowers: Tiered lavender-to-pink blossoms that rise in stacked whorls
Habitat: Found in prairies, open fields, and along roadsides
Height: Grows 1–3 feet tall
It thrives in the Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, and other dry Texas landscapes where it supports native biodiversity.
Benefits & Utility
Pollinators: Attracts native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Medicinal Uses: Traditionally brewed into teas to soothe colds, headaches, and digestive discomfort
Culinary Uses: Leaves can be used sparingly in teas and as seasoning
Ecological: Supports pollinator habitat and reseeds easily without becoming invasive
Homemaking: A show-stopping addition to bouquets and dried arrangements, and its lemony scent makes it a natural insect deterrent.
