White Flower Farm
Monarda 'Jacob Cline'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting to attract vibrant local pollinators.
Monarda 'Jacob Cline', or Bee Balm, is a striking perennial celebrated for its vibrant, drop-dead red flowers that bloom mid- to late-summer. Discovered near the Blue Ridge Parkway, this cultivar sets a high standard due to its foliage being nearly impervious to powdery mildew. As a member of the Mint family, it features square stems and tartly fragrant leaves. It attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, offering a late-season nectar feast. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade with evenly moist soil, is drought tolerant, and deer resistant, providing reliable color and pollinator support.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Lifespan
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Landscape designers seeking dramatic height and vertical interest
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local pollinators
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, disease-resistant perennials
Who should skip it
- Low-effort gardeners preferring plants that do not require deadheading
- Minimalist gardeners avoiding frequent plant division and maintenance
- Xeriscape enthusiasts living in drought-prone or dry climates
Performance breakdown
Disease Resistance
Superior mildew resistance keeps foliage looking pristine throughout the growing season.
Pollinator Appeal
A high-octane nectar source that acts as a magnet for hummingbirds.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters browsing deer, making it ideal for vulnerable garden borders.
Hardiness Range
Versatile enough to thrive across a wide variety of climate zones.
Visual Impact
Vibrant red blooms provide a dramatic focal point in late summer.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in consistently moist garden soil.
Key Specs
Lifespan
Perennial
Mature Height
4 feet
Mature Spread
3 feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 to 9
Planting Spacing
16.5 inches
Flower Color
Red
Water Needs
Medium (evenly moist soil)
Seller Warranty
1 year money-back guarantee
Features
- Disease-resistant foliage (impervious to powdery mildew)
- Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
- Fragrant foliage provides seasonal interest
- Drought tolerant once established
- Deer resistant garden addition
- Blooms late in the summer season
- Easily managed and readily transplants
- Suitable for container growing
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise Monarda Jacob Cline for its exceptional reliability and performance. The primary satisfaction driver is its near total resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue with other varieties. Reviewers consistently note the plant's vigorous growth and the stunning true red blooms that create a dramatic midsummer display. Furthermore, this Monarda is a powerful pollinator magnet, attracting high volumes of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. While the initial cost is premium, buyers feel the superior quality of the healthy, robust plant material justifies the investment due to its dependable disease resistance. Despite a tendency to spread, this cultivar is highly recommended as a reliable garden staple.
Know before you buy
Yes, this specific cultivar is highly regarded for its resistance to powdery mildew. While many other Monarda varieties are prone to this fungal issue, 'Jacob Cline' maintains clean, healthy foliage throughout the growing season.
At maturity, 'Jacob Cline' reaches a height of 4 feet and a spread of 3 feet. You should space individual plants about 16.5 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Yes, 'Jacob Cline' is suitable for container growing. Ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate its root system and provides adequate drainage, while keeping the soil consistently moist.
This variety is considered deer resistant. Its fragrant, mint-family foliage is generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers soil that is kept evenly moist. While it is drought-tolerant once established, you will see the best performance if you provide regular water during dry spells.
The vibrant red flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Because it blooms in mid- to late-summer, it serves as an important late-season nectar source for these pollinators.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20