Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a striking North American native perennial celebrated for its showy lavender to pinkish-purple flowers and aromatic foliage. Blooming from mid to late summer, its clustered blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a favorite in pollinator gardens. Monarda fistulosa thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, tolerating drought once established. Its upright growth habit and clumping nature make it suitable for borders, meadows, and cottage gardens. With its resistance to deer and ability to withstand various soil conditions, Wild Bergamot adds color, fragrance, and wildlife interest to any landscape.
Ships as a Landscape-Ready Plug 6 Plant Minimum
Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) info from Missouri Botanical Garden
Common Name: Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Bloom Description: Lavender to pinkish-purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to moist
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Clay Soil
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Ornamental Features
Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a native North American perennial prized for its striking clusters of lavender to pinkish-purple flowers. Blooming from mid to late summer, its showy blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. Monarda fistulosa thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, tolerating moist conditions but also adapting to dry soil once established. Its aromatic, lance-shaped leaves release a pleasant fragrance when touched. This herbaceous plant is ideal for cottage gardens, meadows, and pollinator habitats, adding both color and wildlife interest throughout the growing season.
Planting and Growing
Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a North American native perennial prized for its aromatic foliage and showy, lavender to pinkish-purple flowers. This herbaceous plant typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) with a spread of about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). The lance-shaped leaves are aromatic when crushed and complement the whorls of tubular flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. Wild Bergamot thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of various soil types and can withstand dry conditions once established. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens. Monarda fistulosa is suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings, providing both visual appeal and ecological benefits. Maintenance includes deadheading spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.