Common Names
Wild Bergamot, Bergamot, Sweet Leaf

Botanical Name
Monarda fistulosa

Plant Family
Lamiaceae

Native Range
Central and Western North America

Life Cycle
Perennial

Hardiness Zone
3-9

Habit
Grows to about 2ft all in bloom. Multi stemmed from underground rhizomes spreading to form a nice dense patch. Produces unusual looking lavender-coloured tubular flowers arranged in clusters around a central head, blooms from June to September. 

Sun/Soil
Easy to grow and will tolerate a variety of conditions. Ideally they are given regular to moist well-drained soil and full to part sun exposure. 

Germination/Sowing
The seeds germinate easily and are best sown in flats in the spring and then transplanted out once they are big enough.

Growing/Care
The foliage will die back in the fall at which time the plants can be cut back. They will regrow in the spring. Wild Bergamot patches can be dug and divided every few years to encourage new vitality. This should be done in early spring or fall while the plants are still dormant.

Harvesting
The aerial parts can be harvested by cutting the plants down to a few inches above the ground. The medicinal properties are more concentrated when the plants are in bloom during the heat of summer.

Culinary Uses
Leaves and flowers are useful for flavouring various beverages and deserts. Flowers are edible and may be added to salads.

Medicinal Uses
Wild Bergamot is used to treat colds and flus, as a strong antiseptic for healing wounds, and for its carminative & diaphoretic actions.

Themes
Native Plant Garden, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Apothecary Garden, Container Garden, Low Maintenance.