Monarda Wild Bergamot

A stunning addition to the garden with a long bloom season. The shaggy, lilac purple flowers open freely throughout summer and autumn. It is dry tolerant, easy care, fast growing and incredibly generous.

Pollinators adore these flowers, from the tiniest insects to birds, they will flock to enjoy the pollen. The leaves are deep green and have a delicious mint fragrance and are used in teas and for some medicinal purposes (for its antiseptic properties). They are even purported to repel mosquitoes.

Even after the petals have fallen, the seedheads can remain a feature into winter (though you may wish to remove the yellowed leaves). The upright structure of Monarda plants is handsome in combination with ornamental grasses, or for use in a cottage bed.

Monarda are good plants for the back of borders. They are commonly known as Bergamot and Beebalm (parts of the plants were used to soothe bee stings) and are members of the Mint family. The leaves, stems and flowers are all edible and have been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans for medicine and food.

For best results, grow Monarda in moist, humus rich soils in a sunny position. Keep it moist in active growth and dead head flowers regularly to extend the bloom season. Mulch in summer to help with water retention. They will gradually spread through underground rhizomes. Removing spent flowers can prolong the season.