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Basil Bee Balm (Monarda clinopodia): White-Flowered Monarda

Overview

Basil bee balm (Monarda clinopodia), also called white basil-balm or white bergamot, is a perennial native to eastern North America. It has whorls of white to pale pink flowers with purple spots and basil-scented foliage.

Botanical Details

Family:	Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Monarda (mo-NAR-da)
Species:	clinopodia

Garden Uses

Moist, rich soil, part shade to full sun. Less aggressive than M. didyma. Attracts pollinators. Leaves used for tea. Good for woodland edges and native plant gardens.

Herbs: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Calming Herb for Tea and Pollinators; Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Red Flowers for Pollinators and Tea; Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The King of Culinary Herbs; Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Native Bee Balm for Prairies; Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'): Mildew-Resistant Red Blooms for Pollinators; Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum 'Lime'): Zesty Citrus Basil for Drinks and Desserts; Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'): Spicy-Sweet Basil with Warm Cinnamon Notes; Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Thai'): Aromatic Herb for Southeast Asian Cuisine; Pistou Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Pistou'): Compact French Variety for Small Spaces; Eastern Bee Balm (Monarda bradburiana): Early-Blooming Native for Dry Shade

Garden Articles

White Mulberry (Morus alba)

Bee Balm 'Raspberry Wine' (Monarda didyma): Deep Red Cultivar by D. Probst

Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin'): Deep Purple Foliage for Ornamental and Culinary Use

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): The King of Spices from Tropical Vines

Purple Ruffles Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'): Frilly, Deep Purple Leaves for Texture and Flavor

Purple Basil 'Purple Delight' (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Delight'): Rich Purple Foliage for Color and Flavor

Sweet Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Genovese'): The Classic Italian Basil for Pesto Perfection

Plants

Hosta 'White Christmas': Krossa-Palmer-Ruh's Winter Celebration

Bee Balm 'Gardenview Scarlet' (Monarda didyma): Classic Scarlet Cultivar

Bee Balm 'Marshall's Delight' (Monarda didyma): Mildew-Resistant Pink Cultivar

Lemon Basil 'Sweet Dani': A Fragrant Culinary Herb

Lemon Basil 'Mrs. Burns' (Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs. Burns'): Heirloom Lemon Basil

Bee Balm 'Panorama Mix' (Monarda didyma 'Panorama Mix'): Colorful Pollinator Perennial

Bee Balm 'Violet Queen' (Monarda didyma 'Violet Queen'): Deep Violet Pollinator Favorite