Monarda fistulosa

Wild bergamot Description:

Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as wild bergamot or bee balm, is a North American native herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The plant is known for its showy, lavender to pinkish flowers and its aromatic foliage.

The plant grows up to 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and forms clumps of square stems that are covered with fine hairs. The lance-shaped leaves are arranged in pairs on the stem and have a strong, mint-like scent when crushed. The flowers appear in mid- to late summer and are held in dense, spherical clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower is tubular in shape, with a frilly, five-lobed upper lip and a three-lobed lower lip, and is about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.

Monarda fistulosa is a versatile plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types and light conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. The plant is native to most of North America, ranging from Canada to the southern United States.

The plant has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans and early settlers. The leaves and flowers contain essential oils that are used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, colds, and digestive issues. The plant is also a popular choice for pollinator gardens, as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. In addition, the fragrant foliage makes it an attractive addition to herb gardens or perennial borders.

Native Range:

Wild bergamot ranges from the upper-west coast all the way to the east coast, covering most of the continental United States. In Minnesota, Wild bergamot is widely distributed and found in nearly all regions of the state.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 2' - 4'

Bloom Time: June - August

Preferred Habitat: Does well in sun and often found in dry fields, prairies, and along roadsides.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.