(Monarda citriodora var. ‘Lemon’)
Lemon Bee Balm is a native annual herb that is commonly found growing in sandy/rocky prairies or along roadsides throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features square like stem, narrow 2” lance shaped leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped flowers that are light pink to white. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, tolerates drought, makes insecticides, is resistant to deer, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
Genus: Monarda
Species: citriodora
Variety: Lemon
Also Known As: Lemon Bergamot, Lemon Beebalm, Lemon Mint, Prairie Bergamot, Wild Bergamot, Lemon Balm, Lemon Horsemint, Plains Horsemint, Lemon Bee Balm, Lemon Bergamot, Purple Horse Mint.
Native to: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah.
Introduced into: Illinois, Kentucky.
Grown as: Annual
Maturity (Blooms): May to August
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water: Dry to medium
Soil moisture: Medium.
Maintenance: Low
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds as well as resisting Deer.
Containers?: Yes. you need a container with adequate drainage for healthy plant growth. Pot up your mint plant with a good potting mix, either a regular commercial type or one with equal amounts of sand, peat, and perlite mixed in.
Height: 24-36”
Spacing: 15-24”
Sow Depth: On Soil Surface
USDA Zone: 2-11
Produces: square like stem, narrow 2” lance shaped leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped flowers that are light pink to white.
Garden Uses: Bedding plant, cottage gardens, herb gardens, native plant areas, prairies, roadsides or waste areas. Also effective in hummingbird or butterfly gardens. Leaves may be used to make herbal teas or may be added to potpourris.
Starting Lemon Bee Balm Seeds Indoors for Spring
Transplanting Lemon Bee Balm Seedlings Outdoors for Spring
Starting Lemon Bee Balm Seeds Outdoors for Spring
Humidity is another important factor, so mist the plant between watering or set the container on a water-filled tray of pebbles. In addition, you should rotate the plant every three to four days or so to maintain a more even appearance, as plants tend to bend towards the light, becoming somewhat lopsided.
If desired, you can move your beebalm outdoors for summer, too. While fertilizing isn’t a must with this plant, you can give it an occasional dose of all-purpose, water soluble fertilizer or fish emulsion. Mix the fertilizer at half strength. Don’t over fertilize, as this can cause the herb to lose its flavor.
For best results with cooking with lemon bee balm or any other fresh herbs with essential oils they should be added at the end of cooking. They are less potent if you add them during the cooking process.
Lemon bee balm is a wonderful addition to fruit salads, herb butters, fruit drinks, and sorbets. It can also be used in many egg dishes, custards, a variety of soups and casseroles. It makes a great addition for stuffing for poultry, lamb or pork. Its subtle flavor is a perfect for sauces and marinades for fish. Lemon Bee balm combines well with many spices including chervil, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Lemon Bee balm has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages. It is has been used to relieve anxiety, stress and tension since that time and is still used today for those same illnesses. It helps heal naturally.
Anxiety And Lemon Bee Balm:
Lemon beebalm is a wonderful nerve tonic. It is good on it's own for anxiety and stress, but can also be used in combination with other calming herbs such as valerian, catnip, lavender, or passionflower. When using valerian, you should not use any other sleep inducing medication such as valium. (Do not take our oil or ointment internally.)
For anxiety Lemon bee balm is either given in tea or tincture. A tincture is a concentrated herbal medicine that is made with alcohol. The alcohol draws in the medicinal properties of the lemon bee balm as it is being made, and is a good way to take herbal medicine. You can easily dissipate the alcohol by letting it sit in warm water for a few minutes. This works well for people who have a sensitivity to alcohol, or don't want to use products with alcohol in them.
If a tincture does not suit you, you can certainly use lemon bee balm as a tea. The usual dosage for a cup of herbal tea is 1 tablespoon per one cup (coffee cup) of water. Pour hot water over the herb in the cup. Cover with plate to allow the essential oils of the lemon bee balm to stay in the cup. Strain after 10-15 minutes. Sit back, drink, and enjoy. It is best to take 3-4 cups per day for 2 weeks to allow the lemon beebalm to take effect.
Herpes / Cold Sores:
All natural lemon bee balm ointmentIn studies, it has been shown to have polyphenols. The polyphenols give bee balm fantastic antiviral actions. In particular, they help to combat and heal cold sores due to the herpes simples virus (HSV). Applied to the affected area, it helps heal cold the sores in about 3-5 days. It also helps double the time between outbreaks.
Lemon bee balm that is used on herpes cold sores is usually found in either an oil or an ointment. The leaves of the plant are steeped in a carrier oil (such as almond, apricot, or olive) for 4-6 weeks. The oil absorbs the medicinal actions of the lemon bee balm. It is then strained and either used as lemon bee balm oil or ointment. It is a popular herbal ointment for herpes.
Lemon bee balm is also useful on chicken pox and shingles. Both chicken pox and shingles are the same virus as herpes. Used topically, it will help heal the sores of chicken pox and shingles much quicker than on their own.
Flu with Muscle Aches and Pains:
Due to its antispasmodic and relaxant actions lemon bee balm can come in quite handy when a flu hits with muscle aches and pains. It will help relax the body, and the antispasmodic action will help with any muscular spasms. Lemon beebalm increases sweating, and could help in the case of a fever. By making the body sweat, the toxins are driven out of the body through the pores. It can be used at the first sign of flu for best results.
Nausea and Stomach Problems:
Lemon bee balm as a tea is a carminative, and therefore can be used to help settle a nauseous stomach. It will help relieve digestive gas and also help with indigestion. (Do not take oil or ointment internally.)
Aromatherapy:
Lemon bee balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy and body care products. It has a calming and soothing slight lemony scent.
Caution: Lemon bee balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication as it is believed that the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine. Contact Cloverleaf Farm for an alternative.
Companion Planting
Bee balm attracts hummingbirds with its red and pink blossoms and its tubular flowers that are naturally suited for a hummingbird's long beak. Other similar flowers include Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa), with red and yellow flowers, or silver sage (Salvia argentea), with white flowers tinged with red. Both companions also thrive in full sun or partial shade in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Herbs:
As a member of the mint family, bee balm leaves have a minty smell and make a pleasant, herbal tea. Bee balm adds color and height to an herb garden and should be planted near the center of the garden surrounded by your preference of shorter herbs grown as annuals, such as basil, thyme, chives and parsley. Add a perennial herb such as rosemary in USDA plant hardiness zones 7a through 11 for year-round interest in the garden bed.
Colors:
Also grown in full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 11, bright yellow daylilies would work well planted in the same garden bed with the warm colors of bee balm. For a contrasting accent, midnight blue agapanthus (Agapanthus x "Monmid") adds the cool-blue color in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 11.
Shapes:
As a 6- to 8-inch ground cover growing around the base of bee balm, the light green leaves and multiple flowers of dwarf annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5a through 11 and come in a variety of colors. The blue-gray leaves of the perennial blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) contrast nicely in both shape and color with bee balm. Blue oat grass thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 10b.
Problems
Suggested Varieties
(Hypoestes phyllostachya var. ‘Pink’)
Pink Polka Dot Plant is a tender perennial flower that is native to Madagascar but is commonly grown throughout the United States as an annual or houseplant. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24” and features 2” oval-shaped green foliage that has sporadic pink blotches. This plant can be grown in a container, and its attractive foliage makes it great with cut flower!
(Deeringia spicata var. ‘Flamingo’)
Flamingo Celosia is a warm weather perennial flower that is native to Aldabra and Madagascar which is commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 32” and features an erect stem, lance-shaped green to purplish-red leaves, and narrow plume-like pink flower heads. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and predatory wasps, and also has culinary and medicinal uses.
(Xerochrysum bracteatum var. ‘Strawflower’)
Strawflower is a tender perennial flower that is native to Australia but can be commonly found growing in the northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features 5” lance-shaped grayish-green leaves and 1-3” daisy-like flowers that have a yellow center disks which are surrounded by orange, red, yellow, pink, or white bracts. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Asclepias incarnata var. ‘Swamp’)
Swamp Milkweed is a native clump forming perennial flower that is commonly found growing in wet areas such as swamps and river edges throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features branching stems, 3-6” lance-shaped green leaves, and aromatic clusters of tiny pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make cordage and fabric, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Silene pendula var. ‘Nodding’)
Nodding Catchfly is an annual/biennial flower that is native to Greece, Italy, and Turkey, but can be found growing in fields and meadows in the northeastern and northwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features nodding clusters of 5 petaled light pink flowers. This plant can easily be grown in containers and hanging baskets, and also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds!
(Zinnia elegans var. ‘Exquisite’)
Exquisite Zinnia is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be found growing in the southern and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features hairy upright branching stems, 5” lance-shaped green leaves, and 4-5” bright red dahlia-type flowers that fade to soft rose pink. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Penstemon Hartwegii var. ‘Scarlet Queen’)
Scarlet Queen Penstemon is a short-lived perennial flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing in open deserts and moist forests throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36” and features hairy upright stems, narrow lance-shaped green leaves, and tubular white two-lipped flowers that have scarlet red edgings. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, tolerates drought, is resistant to deer, and is great as a cut flower!
(Impatiens balsamina var. Camilia Mix)
Camilia Balsam is a sun loving tender annual flower that is native to India and southeast Asia but can commonly be found growing in the northeastern United States. Growing to the height of 30” tall, this plant features lance shaped leaves and small clusters of 2” cup shaped red, pink, and white colored flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, it attracts bees, butterflies, and humming birds, is resistant to drought, great as a cut flower, and best of all, it self sows!
(P. somniferum var. paeoniflorum ‘Red’)
Red Peony Poppy is an annual flower that is native to the Mediterranean region but can be found growing throughout the northeastern and southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features blue-green foliage and large 4” rose like red flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, self sows, and is great as a cut flower.
(P. somniferum var. paeoniflorum ‘Pale Rose’)
Pale Rose Peony Poppy is an annual flower that is native to the Mediterranean region but can be found growing throughout the northeastern and southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features blue-green foliage and large 4” rose like light pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, self sows, and is great as a cut flower.
(P. somniferum var. paeoniflorum ‘Salmon’)
Salmon Peony Poppy is an annual flower that is native to the Mediterranean region but can be found growing throughout the northeastern and southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features blue-green foliage and large 4” rose like salmon pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, self sows, and is great as a cut flower.
(Eschscholzia californica var. ‘Carmine King’)
Carmine King California Poppy is a native cool weather short-lived perennial flower that can be commonly found growing in open areas, hillsides, and along roads throughout the western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-15” and features bluish green fern-like leaves and 3” 4 petal cup-shaped pinkish red flowers. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is both edible and medicinal, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Eschscholzia californica var. ‘Red Chief’)
Red Chief California Poppy is a native cool weather short-lived perennial flower that can be commonly found growing in open areas, hillsides, and along roads throughout the western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-16” and features bluish green fern-like leaves and 3” 4 petal cup-shaped crimson flowers that have a yellow center. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is both edible and medicinal, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Monarda fistulosa var. ‘Wild’)
Wild Bergamot is a native perennial clump forming flower that is naturally found growing in dry rocky woods and dry prairies all across the United States. At maturity this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features a square like stem, aromatic greenish gray leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped lavender flowers. This plant is best known for its ability to attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but it also is both edible and medicinal, can be used as a cut flower, is drought tolerant, is used to flavor perfumes, make insect repellents and essential oils, is resistant to deer, and self sows!
(Mirabilis jalapa var. ‘Rose’)
Rose Four O'clock is a tender perennial flower that is native to Peru but can be commonly found growing in most of the southern, and some of the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features 4” dark green leaves and fragrant rose colored 2” cylindrical, five petal-like lobes. This plant can be grown in a container, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, it's resistant to deer, tolerates drought, self sows, is even both edible and medicinal!
(Mirabilis jalapa var. ‘Red’)
(Aquilegia canadensis var. ‘Wild’)
Wild Columbine is a native perennial flower that can be commonly found growing in rocky woods, ledges, and slopes throughout the mid to eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2' and features 1-2” red and yellow, drooping bell-shaped blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, it attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating moths, it resists deer and rabbits, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Cleomella serrulata var. ‘Rocky Mountain’)
(Zinnia elegans var. ‘Cherry Queen’)
Cherry Queen Zinnia is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be found growing in the southern and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features hairy upright branching stems, 5” lance-shaped green leaves, and 4-5” bright red dahlia-type flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Centaurea cyanus var. ‘Tall Pink’)
Tall Pink Cornflower is an annual flower that is native to Europe that can be found growing in open fields and along railroads from coast to coast of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-3' and features grayish green, blade-like foliage and long stems topped by a 1-1½” circlet of tiny pale pink flowers with a darker pink center. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, provides bird forage, tolerates drought and frost, makes dye, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
Yarrow: Red (Achillea millefolium rubra)
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(Trifolium incarnatum var. ‘Crimson’)
Crimson Clover is an annual flower that is native to Europe, but can be found growing across the U.S. in nearly every state. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-3' and features hairy rosette unbranched stems, 1/2-1” heart shaped leaflets, and 1-2 1/2” cylindrical flower heads that bare ½ vibrant red florets. This plant can be grown in a container, it attracts bees and butterflies, is both drought and frost tolerant, and provides forage to livestock!
(Digitalis purpurea var. ‘Foxglove’)
Foxglove is a biennial/short lived perennial flower that is native to eastern Europe but can be commonly found growing in open woods, woodland clearings, moorland and heath margins, sea-cliffs, rocky mountain slopes and hedge banks throughout the northeastern and northwestern United States. At maturity, this plant features thick, textured leaves at the base and tall spikes of tubular, dangling 2-3” blossoms of rose pink or purple with tiny contrasting spots. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer and rabbits, and is great as a cut flower!
Sage: Scarlet (Salvia coccinea)
(Penstemon palmeri var. ‘Palmer's’)
Palmer's Penstemon is a perennial flower that is native to the United States that can be commonly found growing in rocky areas of grasslands and desert mountains. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3” and features branched stems, grayish leaves, and large white flowers that have pink stains. This plant can be grown in containers, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, tolerates drought, is resistant to deer, and is great as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus var. ‘Radiance’)
(Zinnia elegans var. ‘Luminosa’)
Luminosa Zinnia is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be found growing in the southern and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features hairy upright branching stems, 5” lance-shaped green leaves, and 4-5” bright pink dahlia-type flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Papaver rhoeas var. ‘Red’)
Red Poppy is a cool weather annual flower that is native to Asia and Europe but can commonly be found growing in agricultural fields and along roadsides throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9-24” and features hairy stems, 6” green feather-like lobed toothed leaves, and 2” aromatic 4-6 petal cup-shaped scarlet red flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is resistant to deer, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Gypsophila elegans var. ‘Deep Carmine’)
(Cosmos bipinnatus var. ‘Candy Stripe’)
Candy Stripe Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower is that is native to Mexico, but can commonly be found growing throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery green foliage and 2-3” flowers with yellow centers and wide, scallop-edged white petals edged with dark pink. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Purple Ruffles’)
Purple Ruffles Basil is a native annual herb that can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features ruffled, dark purple leaves, maroon stems, and spikes of bright fuchsia flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Sweet’)
Sweet Basil is an annual herb that is native to India and Asia but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-30” and features medium green leaves and spikes of white or pale pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Lemon’)
(Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Italian Large Leaf’)
(Ocimum basilicum var. ‘Spicy Globe’)
Spicy Globe Basil is an annual herb that is native to India and Asia but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-14” and features 1/4-1" light green leaves and white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
Thyme: Common (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme: Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)
This plant is widely known as an herb. Thyme is the source of the oil Serpolet, which is used in herbal medicine. The plant is also often used as a food seasoning and the dried leaves may be used to make tea! This low growing plant with creeping, woody foliage bears small, lavender colored flower during the months of June and July. The hardy plant tolerates some pedestrian traffic and produces odors ranging from heavily herbal to lightly lemon, depending on the plant!
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
(Campanula medium var. ‘Blue’)
Blue Canterbury Bells is a biennial flower that is native to Italy and France that is commonly found growing in shady areas of moist woods and meadows, and along streams and ditches in the northwestern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3' and features long, loose clusters of long lasting bell-shaped blue flowers. This plant is perfect for cut flowers, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, makes dyes, and is also edible!
(Ipomoea coccinea var. ‘Heavenly Blue’)
Heavenly Blue Morning Glory is a warm weather annual flowering vine that is native to Mexico but can be found growing throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-9' and features a fast-growing vine with heart-shaped dark green leaves, and 4-5" bright sky-blue blooms with lovely white centers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, has medicinal properties, and self sows!
(Ipomoea nil var. ‘Picotee Blue’)
Picotee Blue Morning Glory is a warm weather annual flowering vine that is native to Mexico and South American but can be found growing throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-9' and features a fast-growing vine with heart-shaped dark green leaves, and dramatic 6" blue blooms with bright white edging a purple star inside. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and hummingbirds, has medicinal properties, and self sows!
(Centaurea cyanus var. ‘Dwarf Blue’)
Dwarf Blue Cornflower is an annual flower that is native to Europe that can be found growing in open fields and along railroads from coast to coast of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-3' and features grayish green, blade-like foliage and long stems topped by a 1” circlet of tiny lavender blue flowers with a darker center. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, provides bird forage, tolerates drought and frost, makes dye, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
Sage: Kitchen (Salvia officinalis)
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(Lupinus nanus var. ‘Sky Mix’)
Sky Lupine is a native short-lived perennial flower that can be found growing in grassy fields, slopes, and hills throughout the southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-16” and features 8-16” stem spikes, star-shaped leaflet clusters, and blue, white, pink, and purple pea-like flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and humming birds, is resistant to deer, and is great as a cut flower!
(Camassia quamash var. ‘Blue Camass’)
Blue Camass is a native perennial flower that is commonly found growing in moist mountain meadows and slopes in the northwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2' and features a 2' clump of blade-like leaves at the base of a firm stem, and a large clusters of 2-3” starry blue flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bee, butterflies, and hummingbirds, can be used as a cut flower, is edible, and self sows!
Sage: Blue (Salvia farinacea)
(Penstemon strictus var. ‘Rocky Mountain’)
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(Centaurea cyanus var. ‘Tall Blue’)
Tall Blue Cornflower is an annual flower that is native to Europe that can be found growing in open fields and along railroads from coast to coast of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-3' and features grayish green, blade-like foliage and long stems topped by a 1” circlet of tiny lavender blue flowers with a darker center. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, provides bird forage, tolerates drought and frost, makes dye, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!
Pea: Blue Butterfly (Heirloom) (Clitoria ternatea)
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Butterfly pea vine is part of the Clitoria genus and its scientific name is Clitoria ternatea. The ternatea part of this plant's botanical name means 'set in threes'. It is native to tropical equatorial Asia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with elliptic, obtuse leaves. It grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. The most striking feature about this plant are its vivid deep blue flowers; solitary, with light yellow markings. They provide quick covers for lattice, trellis, arbor and chain-link fence, and are a favorite food source for butterflies.
(Borago officinalis var. ‘Blue')
Blue Borage is a sprawling annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean region but can found growing throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 24-36” and features hairy stems and grayish-green leaves, and drooping clusters of star shaped, bright blue flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and predatory wasps, deters tomato hornworms, tolerates drought and light frost, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!