Monarda bradburiana, or “eastern bee balm,” is an upright perennial with fragrant foliage and pale pink flowers that look like ballerina tutus from above. Deer and rabbits resent the aromatic foliage, while the flowers attract pollinators in droves in the spring and summer.

Monarda bradburiana eastern bee balm is native to parts of the central and southern United States, where it grows in thickets, wooded meadows, and along roadsides. It is similar in appearance and habit toMonarda fistulosa. Unlike many other members of the mint family, it clumps rather than runs.

Plant eastern bee balm in sun to part-shade and average, well-drained soil. Be careful not to plant it in soil that is overly rich, or fertilize it.