Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild bergamot

Also known as: Mintleaf beebalm, Horsemint

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.

Scientific classification

Species

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

1.1 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Gray

Leaf Color

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Pink, Purple, Lavender, Violet

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Wild bergamot

Attributes of Wild bergamot

Growth Rate

Under moderate growth in spring, wild bergamot develops thick whorls of aromatic, lavender flowers. This growth speed promotes well-distributed vertical growth, enhancing the plant's bush-like appearance. Despite a faster autumn growth, spring expansion ensures superior overwintering resistance for wild bergamot.

Distribution of Wild bergamot

Distribution Map

Wild bergamot is native to pastures, meadows, and ditches of most of North America. This perennial subshrub is showy enough to reward ornamental growth, at least in its native temperate climate.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry thickets, clearings, woodland edges

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The showy purple flowers of wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) are great attractors of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. They add great garden color from midsummer into fall and are commonly used as cut flowers. This clumping perennial grows well in the flower beds and borders of cottage and informal gardens. Excellent texture and color contrasts are provided by planting wild bergamot beside black-eyed Susan, false sunflower, and echinacea purpurea.

Symbolism

Wealth, prosperity, health, good fortune

Interesting Facts

A favorite of birds, bees and butterflies, wild bergamot has a long history of beneficial uses. Seeds germinate easily without winter stratification, which made the plant readily available to Native Americans looking for medicinal and culinary uses for every plant species. It was often used to make poultices and also as a tea infusion to treat colds and headaches.

Name Story

Wild bergamot: This gorgeous perennial plant is often planted and people often use its fragrant leaves to make mint tea because the leaves are mint-flavored. Many people believed that the leaves taste like bergamot and it is considered a wild plant, so it's called wild bergamot.

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Quickly Identify Wild bergamot

Square stem characteristic of mint family

Lavender to pinkish flowers in dense rounded clusters

Toothed, opposite, oblong leaves with grayish-green color

Dry nutlet fruit less than 1/6 inch with brown color

Aromatic foliage emits pleasant fragrance when crushed

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Care Guide for Wild bergamot

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Wild bergamot thrives in moderately moist, humid conditions, requiring weekly watering for optimal health. It adapts well to its original, rainy habitat and flourishes outdoors during the growing season, benefiting significantly from rainwater for essential moisture retention.

Fertilize: For wild bergamot, balanced nutrition is essential, with fertilizers applied every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. High phosphorus variants boost blooms, while proper quantities prevent over-fertilization. A soil test helps customize nutrition, supporting robust health and blossom production, while avoiding leaf contact to prevent burns.

Pruning: Wild bergamot thrives with pruning during early to late spring, promoting healthy growth and plentiful blooms. Trim dead stems and spent flowers for better air circulation, reducing disease risks. Thinning older stems enhances vigor, maintaining size, shape, and stimulating robust new growth.

Propagation: Wild bergamot thrives when propagated from cuttings taken from healthy parent plants. Use cuttings with multiple nodes and apply rooting hormone on the cut end. Plant in a moist, well-drained substrate and maintain consistent moisture and warmth for successful root development before relocating to a permanent spot.

Repotting: Wild bergamot is a bushy perennial needing repotting every 2-3 years, preferably in spring. Use a pot 2 inches larger in diameter, maintain even moisture, and provide full sun to partial shade. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot and support healthy lavender blooms.

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Images of Wild bergamot

Attributes of Wild bergamot

Distribution of Wild bergamot

Culture

Quickly Identify Wild bergamot

Care Guide for Wild bergamot

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