Monarda fistulosa (American wild bergamot) — perennial herb

Overview

Monarda fistulosa is a perennial herb in the genus Monarda, part of the Q53476 family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Monarda fistulosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife garden, medicinal garden and ornamental. It is native to North America.

About

Monarda fistulosa is a perennial herb that produces heads of pink to lavender flowers from June to September. It typically grows to about 1.5 m high with a spread around 1 m and prefers a full-sun position. The foliage is fragrant and gives off scent when bruised. It is native to North America and is used in wildlife, medicinal and ornamental plantings.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monarda fistulosa

About the genus

Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America. Common names include bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange.

Wikipedia contributors, "Monarda", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monarda

In the garden

Monarda fistulosa is a perennial herb native to North America that flowers from June to September, producing compact pink to lavender blooms. Plants reach roughly 1.5 m tall and 1 m across, so allow space for individual clumps to develop. The foliage is noticeably fragrant when crushed, which is one reason it appears in medicinal and ornamental schemes. Site it in full sun and plant into sandy, loamy or clay soils; it tolerates a range of soil textures provided they are well-drained or at least moist but well-drained. Its UK hardiness is H7 (fully hardy), so it withstands outdoor winters without special winter protection in suitable locations. Keep soil reasonably free-draining to avoid prolonged waterlogging. Use Monarda fistulosa in wildlife borders, medicinal gardens and mixed herbaceous beds where the 1 m spread fits between larger perennials. The combination of summer flowering and aromatic foliage gives a clear seasonal role: flower heads run through the summer months while the scented leaves remain a noticeable feature when handled.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Monarda

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Monarda fistulosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herb
Height: 1.5 m
Spread: 1 m
Suggested uses: wildlife garden, medicinal garden, ornamental
Native to: North America
Fragrance: Foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Monarda fistulosa

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay soils; requires full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back in late fall or early spring to promote healthy growth.
Propagation: Seed, division, stem cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Monarda fistulosa?

Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay soils; requires full sun; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Monarda fistulosa?

Monarda fistulosa prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Monarda fistulosa need?

Monarda fistulosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.