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Herbaceous Perennial

Monarda fistulosa

American wild bergamot

A clump-forming perennial to 1.2m tall, with bushy, branching stems and dull, mid-green, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves up to 10cm long. From mid-summer to early autumn produces whorls of two-lipped, tubular, pale purple or pale, dusky pink flowers with purple-tinged bracts and a pale green centre

Synonyms
Monarda mollis
Monarda scabra
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Monarda can be annuals or clump-forming herbaceous perennials with aromatic, ovate leaves and terminal whorls of 2-lipped, tubular flowers from summer to early autumn

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins, or by basal softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadheading regularly should encourage more flowers. Cut stems down to the ground in autumn, or leave seed heads for winter structure

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially in hot, dry weather

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