Monarda citriodora (Lemon bee balm) — whorls of stacked, lilac-purple flowers surrounded by pink-tinged mauve bracts, over intensely lemon-scented foliage. A good pick for pollinators, full sun to promote strong, upright growth and heavy oil production.
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🌿 Grown at our London nursery — collect in person or arrange local delivery
📦 Dispatched within 3 business days via Royal Mail
Product features
Botanical name: Monarda citriodora
Common name: Lemon bee balm, Lemon bergamot, Lemon mint
Height: 60cm to 1.2m
Spread: 30cm to 45cm
Foliage: Lance-shaped bright green leaves, intense citrus-lemon aroma when crushed
Flower: Whorls of stacked lilac-purple flowers with pink-tinged mauve bracts
Attractive to wildlife: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, moths
Soil Type: Moderately fertile, moist, free-draining loam or chalk
Drought tolerant: Yes, quite resilient once established
Hardy: Half-hardy to tender (H3), best as summer annual in UK
Position: Full sun or light partial shade
Evergreen: No, annual or short-lived biennial
Suitable for: Herb gardens, sensory spaces, prairie schemes, edible teas
Materials and care
Light: Full sun for strong, upright growth and heavy oil production
Aspect: Open, sunny south- or west-facing prairie plantings
Soil type: Adaptable to poor, sandy soils, best in average loams
Drainage: Requires well-drained soil
Watering: Water regularly until established, drought-tolerant once mature
Deadheading: Cut back spent flowers to prolong blooming
End of season: Clear dead stalks in late autumn
Fertiliser: Do not over-fertilise — dilutes the lemon fragrance
