WILD BERGAMOT

Bring the magic of a native wildflower to your landscape with Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Wild Bee Balm. This resilient, clump-forming perennial boasts fragrant, deep green foliage that releases a delightful, minty-oregano scent when brushed. From mid-summer to early fall, the plant is crowned with showy, globe-like clusters of lilac-purple to pink flowers, which are an absolute magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and a variety of native bees. A wonderful addition to perennial borders, wild gardens, and naturalized areas, Wild Bergamot is a drought-tolerant, deer-resistant perennial that not only beautifies your space but also provides essential nectar for our most valuable pollinators.

To ensure your Wild Bergamot thrives, plant it in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay. Good air circulation is key to preventing the most common issue, powdery mildew. You can help by spacing plants appropriately and watering at the base instead of overhead. As a vigorous spreader, it benefits from being divided every 3-4 years in the spring or fall to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding. In the fall, you can cut the stems back to the ground or leave them standing to provide habitat for native bees.