About
Monarda fistulosa, American wild bergamot, is a clump-forming perennial to 1.2 m with bushy, branching stems and dull, mid-green, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves up to 10 cm long. From midsummer to early autumn it produces whorls of two-lipped, tubular, pale-purple or pale, dusky-pink flowers with purple-tinged bracts. An ornamental and wildlife-friendly plant for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Monarda, the bergamots or bee balms, are clump-forming herbaceous perennials and annuals with aromatic, ovate leaves and terminal whorls of two-lipped, tubular flowers in red, pink, purple or white from summer to early autumn. Excellent bee and butterfly plants for sunny borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Native toNorth America
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow to dry out in summer. Lift and divide every three years
PruningDeadheading regularly should encourage more flowers. Cut stems down to the ground in autumn, or leave seed heads for winter structure
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins, or by basal softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially in hot, dry weather