Native Bergamot - Monarda fistulosa

Native Bergamot - Monarda Fistulosa

Phonetic: mo-NAR-da fist-yoo-LOW-suh

Native Bergamot, commonly known as Bee Balm, is a versatile plant with many uses in and out of the garden. Monarda fistulosa is a valuable nectar plant visited by numerous bees and butterflies. Its fragrant leaves are used to make teas and cut flowers are beautiful in a vase. This blooming perennial that grows in tidy small colonies is a good choice for a small garden.  

• Hardiness Zone:  3-9
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure:  Full, Partial
• Flower Color:  Purple
• Bloom Time:  July, August, September
• Soil Type:  Dry, Medium, Moist
• Mature Plant Size:  4'H
• Plant Spacing:  2-3'
• Host Plant:  Hermit Sphinx Moth, Orange Mint Moth, Pink Patched Looper Moth and Rustic Quaker  
• Attracts:  Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbird
• Advantages:  Aromatic foliage, culinary uses, deer resistant, Poor Soil Tolerant 
• Landscape Uses:  Butterfly garden, cottage garden, cut flowers, mass planting, meadow, perennial borders
• Companion Plants:  Big Blue Stem, Black Eyed Susan, Little Blue Stem, Marsh blazing Star
  

Maintaining Native Bergamot

Native bergamot spreads underground via rhizomes, like many of our native perennials. In ideal, moist conditions, it can spread quickly and form large, showy patches, which need planning in a cultivated bed.

Here are ways to maintain your native bergamot:

• Give it room. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart so spreading stems have enough space to grow.
• Divide every 2 to 3 years. Lifting and splitting clumps in spring keeps plants vigorous and prevents overcrowding.
• Use a root barrier. This is especially important when planting near a small bed or border you want to stay tidy.
• Let it run in meadows. In naturalized or restoration plantings, the way native bergamot spreads will make for a resilient pollinator habitat.
• Watch airflow. Good spacing also reduces powdery mildew, a common issue for this species in humid, still air.

Ready to bring native bergamot home to your garden? Add it to your cart today or contact Bagley Pond Perennials for more support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will native bergamot take over my whole garden?

It spreads steadily but isn't usually invasive in the aggressive sense. It just needs regular division and edging to keep it well-mannered.

Can I grow it in a container?

Yes, and containers are actually an easy way to enjoy the plant without worrying about spreading.

Does it need staking?

It rarely needs staking, as these plants grow in full sun with enough spacing and tend to stay sturdy and upright.

How long do the blooms last?

A native bergamot's bloom typically lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. It runs from mid-summer through early fall.

Does this plant need fertilization?

It generally does not need fertilization because it's a low-maintenance wildflower, preferring lean, well-drained soil. Overfertilizing can actually harm the plant more by causing weak, floppy growth and powdery mildew. However, if it looks pale and weak, you can give it a light fertilizer for a small boost.