Monarda Punctata, also known as Dotted Mint generates a ton of pollinator activity in our garden, the most notable is a number of different kinds of wasps. When in bloom It is also one of the most beautiful plants in the garden.

*A black thorn-footed mason wasp (Zethis spinipes) is the only mason wasp to occur in Minnesota. Seen here nectaring on Spotted Beebalm.*

Dotted Mint is known as a short lived perennial. I have had a number of these in the garden coming in to their fourth year, they thrive in the gravelly soil right next to our brick patio but will also tolerate average garden soil as long as it is well drained. I do collect the seed and toss it about throughout the back garden knowing it won’t get out of control with the amount of competition that already exists.

*The light /whitish flowers here are Spotted Beebalm the lavender colored flowers scattered about are Allium.*

The tubular flowers are yellow with tiny purple spots are surrounded by whitish leafy bracts splashed with lilac. They generate a show from the middle of July through the end of August in our area of southeastern Minnesota. So to my mind it provides an extended length of interest compared to many perennials.

*Creamy “bracts” look like someone has flicked grape kool aid onto them.*

If you have a wild or natural perennial border with well or exceedingly well drained soils and foster the value of caring for the creatures we share our world with I would recommend you consider having this plant onto your property!

Spotted Beebalm

Blog Post Title Two