Monardella undulata

Also Known As

Monardella undulata var. frutescens
Bee Balm

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 8"-18"
W: 36"-96"

planting zones

9a-10b

Monardella undulata plant details

Monardella undulata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Monardella undulata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 36 IN - 96 IN - wide, 8 IN - 18 IN - tall
Uses: self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Monardella undulata

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low

Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This rare, California native bee-balm is found growing in the dunes along the California coastline. Able to grow in pure sand, it makes a beautiful picture growing with the golden yellow primroses of Camissonia cheiranthifolia (“Beach Primrose”) while both of the plants thrive in sand, they also look great (maybe better!) in garden soil. Monardella undulata grows to 1’ tall with branching stems, each topped with several purple “bee-balm” type flowers much loved by butterflies. While it’s naturally a self-sowing annual, it acts as a perennial with a little Summer water. Ranked as rare by the California Native Plant Society since 1997.