wild bergamot for everything you’ll need to know to plant and care for your Roots will shoot out new stems that spread rapidly beneath the surface. Monarda fistulosa, commonly called wild bergamot, is a common Missouri native perennial which occurs statewide in dryish soils on prairies, dry rocky woods and glade margins, unplanted fields and along roads and railroads. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. stems that grow underground, developing shoots and roots along the way. Bee Balm is best started from plants which spread like crazy, but will grow from seed as well. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of roughly 36 to 48 inches tall and will produce 2 inch flowers. A clump-forming, mint family member that grows typically to 2-4' tall. It is a familiar component of prairie and savanna communities on all but the wettest of soils. almost a pest if not controlled by the gardener. Thin out the seedlings or transplant them to 18" apart. Wild bergamot has been a historic favorite, treasured for its herbal properties and for its pretty blooms. Some groups also used bergamot to In this three-minute video tutorial, you’ll Tufted lavender flowers are produced at the end of each stem. suspect this is the cause in your garden, reduce watering until things even a member of the mint family, which is notorious for being so prolific it’s Note this is the default cart. Required fields are marked *. garden, there are things you can do to stop it in its tracks. The also leaves emit a aromatic minty/oregano scent when crushed. Follow along with narrator Zach Kouns as he finds and harvests wild bergamot for use in an oil. Making Herbal Infusions or Teas: Featuring Wild Bergamot w/ The Urban Aboriginal. ages. Grows in clumps of upright stems, up to 2-4 ft tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Classification Scientific name Monarda As a cold remedy, wild bergamot was also Herb: Wild Bergamot Latin name: Monarda fistulosa Family: Labiatae Medicinal use of Wild Bergamot: Wild bergamot was often employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially those connected with the digestive system. in springtime as the center begins to die out, after which the removed edges Plants grow 2-4’ tall with 3’ spread. the garden this year? Red bee balm is part of the mint family, and its aromatic leaves have a minty fragrance. Tends to self-seed. They are also considered \"herbs\" in the sense that they have been put to culinary and medicinal uses. If you love Monarchs, you may want to visit the Monarch Watch Web site , a local Monarch Web site or the " My Monarch Guide " Web site. Removing the blossoms once they’re expended doesn’t just keep plants The second half of Wild Bergamot's name, Fistulosa,… can be split up and replanted. This pretty perennial border, in the prairie style... A lovely plant combination for a long lasting display. Description Wild bergamot grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet, has a spread of 2 to 3 feet, and blooms July to September in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10. tea, potpourri, culinary uses, and an explanation of why wild bergamot is sometimes Provides color and contrast for the border, herb garden, wild garden, native plant garden, meadow or naturalized area. Should be cut to the ground after flowering to promote the growth of new healthy shoots and leaves. of air circulation. The root system consists of deep, strongly branched roots, and shallow rhizomes that create colonies, sending up clusters of multiple leafy stems, giving Wild Bergamot a bushy appearance. its flavor when cooked alongside meat, while Iroquois preferred using bergamot across (5-7 cm). Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa Mint family (Lamiaceae) Other Names: Also known as Horse Mint, and Bee Balm. Zones: 3-9. Bee Balm) flowers from June to September. Every garden needs pollinators, especially if you’re growing fruit or vegetables. for it in the wild instead of cultivating your own) and also get a lesson on Last count, there were twenty-one different species of bee balm plants in the Monarda Lamiaceae family. Wild bergamot is a clump-forming herba-ceous perennial that reaches 2 to 4 feet in height with a 2 to 3 feet spread. People of many Native American tribes would use bergamot leaves to These flowers are edible, which means there are lots of ways you can use them. As a member of the mint flower, you'll want to give it room to spread and create a wonderful display of ethereal fairy flowers. bergamot does require a spot with plenty of air circulation to prevent powdery He explains where to find the plant (if you’re not growing your own), followed by the steps you can use to make your own wild bergamot oil at home and what the resulting treatment can be used for. Wild bergamot does spread in the garden, but isn't any more invasive than most perennials, in my experience. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. explains how to get the most reward for the time and energy you put into Roots will shoot out new stems that spread rapidly beneath the … Viewers learn all about how to identify wild bergamot (in case you’re looking Native Plant Alternatives to Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena), Great Pollinator Plants for West Virginia, Great Pollinator Plants for North Carolina, Great Pollinator Plants for New Hampshire, Great Pollinator Plants for Massachusetts, Want Garden Inspiration? The leaves can be used sparingly in salads and fruit drinks, while the dried leaves or fresh leaves can be made into a tea. Curious fragment flowers that vary in shades from pink to lavender appear in July and August above stout, strong stems bearing aromatic leaves. prevent further spread of the disease. Bergamot tea is obtained by brewing leaves of the bergamot herb. Other than the obvious beauty of the plant, there are plenty of other ... Deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming period. Plants of the World Online by Kew lists five accepted infraspecific names of Monarda fistulosa. Although this hardy plant can grow in areas that are Wild Bergamot is a wide spread native with a long history. Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamot. Super, pinky lavender blooms last a long time in the summer. The site lists 22 accepted species… Typically plants reaches 24 to 36 inches tall having few erect branches. Looking forward to growing wild bergamot in Healthy leaves or flowers can be used to make tea. rhizomes, or cuttings. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. because the bergamot plant spreads through rhizomes, horizontally oriented keeping your plants healthy and nurturing them as they grow. Wild bergamot is native to the eastern part of the United States. This tea has several medicinal benefits and is consumed by people with health issues like cough, cold, sinusitis, etc. These nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Plants grow to a height of 60-90 cm (24-36"). Its flowers are used to garnish and flavor salads and other dishes, and it can be dried and used to make a spicy-sweet herbal tea. Bergamot is also responsible for the lemon-like citrus scent and taste that’s a classic component of the beloved tea blend known as Earl Grey, making it a no-brainer element to include in a tea garden. A stand of native Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan) and Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot or bee balm) at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Aside from the teas, tinctures, and oils we’ll talk more about later, you can simply add the minty-flavored flowers to salads, use them to top a cake, or just add them to a plate as part of an edible garnish for a fancy meal. bergamot flowers aren’t just pretty—they’re edible. you can use from the beginning of the cycle when you’re planting all the way up almost countless ways. Wild Bee Balm, also known as Wild Bergamot, will produce gorgeous, lilac-pink colored blooms through the Spring and Summer months. Should powdery mildew still strike your presenter uses a mortar and pestle to prepare the bee balm plant for use in the Plants can spread so give them some room to roam or be prepared to keep them in check. This bountiful productivity is because the bergamot plant spreads through rhizomes, horizontally oriented stems that grow underground, developing shoots and roots along the way. Prepare the planting site by incorporating 2 inches of organic compost into the soil with a tiller several weeks before planting. If planted too tightly, with poor air circulation, powdery mildew fungus can also be a problem. As a last resort, you can simply remove and destroy all affected plants to how to use the leaves and flowers of your wild bergamot to create a tincture. Plants spread by rhizome growth, and should be dug and divided every three years. Plants bloom more vigorously if they are divided in spring or fall every 3-4 years. Monarda is a genus of about 15 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials from prairies and woodlands in North America. cultivating your wild bergamot plants. to the end of the season with methods for overwintering the plants. properly. Deadhead spent flowers from your wild bergamot Bee balm, also known as monarda, Oswego tea, horsemint and bergamont, is a member of the mint family that produces vibrant, wide summer flowers in white, pink, red and purple.It is prized for its color and its tendency to attract bees and butterflies.It can spread quickly, though, and requires a bit of care to keep it under control. Gardening Channel. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Wild bergamot is a clump-forming herba-ceous perennial that reaches 2 to 4 feet in height with a 2 to 3 feet spread. There are many different varieties of the Monarda species, and about 50 commercial cultivars commonly available. This showy perennial is a striking addition in, This species is prone to powdery mildew especially during rainy weather. Plants spread by rhizome growth, and should be dug and divided every three years. It can spread quickly, though, and requires a bit of care to keep it under control. Fun Facts: Wild Bergamot was named in honor of the Spanish botanist Nicolas Monardes. Loving full sun and growing to around 4′ tall (1.3 m), Wild Bergamot (also known as Pink Bee Balm) is a pollinator magnet. Let’s look at a short list of some of the types and the differences between them.Monarda bradburiana, ‘Eastern beebalm’This perennial variety has a lower cushion of rich green foliage, with lightly-toothed edges along oval leaves. When you notice that leaves near the bottom of The Old Farmer’s Almanac covers Growing Bee Balm, University of Maryland Extension covers Growing Wild Bergamot, Gardening Channel covers Growing Bee Balm, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service covers Wild Bergamot, OshKosh Northwestern covers Bee Balm in Summer Landscape, Filed Under: Herb Gardening Tagged With: Bee Balm, bee balm uses, growing bee balm, growing wild bergamot, wild bergamot uses. Spacing 12-24 Inches. You'll have so many flowers from midsummer into fall that the bees won't mind if you cut a few to jazz up indoor arrangements. preparing the tincture, from harvesting the bee balm all the way through Plant wild bergamot in an area that receives full sun to partial shade and has rich, well-drained soil. how to use the wild bergamot you grow in herbal infusions and teas. Spacing 12-24 Inches. You should also do learn about the uses for your harvested wild bergamot. The leaves are grayish-green, oblong, and quite aromatic. Also avoid overhead watering and be sure to thin the stems The stems branch frequently in the upper half and are topped with terminal flowers. For information on growing from herb seeds please see Jekkapedia, Jekka's video on how to sow seeds, Jekka's blog or our FAQs page. They don’t call the wild bergamot plant bee balm for no reason! infusion. The Tewa tribe valued wild bergamot because they enjoyed Wild bergamot aka Monarda fistulosa has aromatic foliage and plants can grow from rhizomes to be 2′ – 4′ feet high with a spread of 2′ – 3′ feet. recommendations for administering the finished tincture. Flowering & Fragrance Bee balm, also known as monarda, Oswego tea, horsemint and bergamont, is a member of the mint family that produces vibrant, wide summer flowers in white, pink, red and purple. This species thrives when grown in a dry soil and prefers alkaline soil conditions. its various health-related uses. The A Soft Border Idea with Grasses, Echinacea and Monarda, A Cheerful Border Idea with Monarda, Achillea and Digitalis, A Cheerful Border Idea with Monarda, Clematis and Artemisia, A Cheerful Border Idea with Monarda, Agastache and Echinacea, A Fabulous Perennial Meadow Planting Idea, A Sparkling Summer Border Idea with Helenium, Monarda and Veronica, A Fresh Border Idea with Monarda, Geranium and Phlox, A Hot Border Idea with Achillea, Hemerocallis and Grasses, 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3, Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3. All Rights Reserved. Clusters of lavender-pink flowers have a firework appearance, and bloom throughout the summer. Wild bergamot is a native perennial flower. Bloom Color Violet. Look no further than this comprehensive guide to growing A USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8: wild bergamot Interesting Notes. Supporting a variety of bees and butterflies, this readily spreading, aromatic plant blooms pink in summer, favoring average, well-drained soils. Wild bergamot grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet, has a spread of 2 to 3 feet, and blooms July to September in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10. Wild Bergamont is a fine choice for low maintenance plantings all across the country. Monarda Production Tips | Walters Gardens. The-se vary in color from pale to deep pink or rosy-lavender, set atop a … Wild bergamot is a native perennial flower. Wild bergamot. Like Save July 6, 2006 at 10:22AM. Bee Balm is best started from plants which spread like crazy, but will grow from seed as well. Once the seeds germinate seedlings should be watered during extended dry period. Times of high humidity can cause an uptick in powdery mildew. There are many different varieties of the Monarda species, and about 50 commercial cultivars commonly available. Its official names are Monarda fistulosa, Monarda pringlei, and Monarda didyma. Accept Magnificent with its orange wings laced with... Pollinators are nearly as important as sun, soil... By Jeff Holcombe, Melinda Fawver, Shutterstock. The-se vary in color from pale to deep pink or rosy-lavender, set atop a … up to 1.2m, spread 45cm. Providing. Wild Unlike other species of Monarda, Wild Bergamot can … Leaves are lance-shaped, 2-3 in (5-8 cm) long and toothed. Genus: Monarda. (And who wants to see the distinctive gray-green foliage and delicate blooms of wild bergamot defiled with unsightly fungus?). Although this fungus is normally a surface-level issue that won’t threaten the life of the plant unless it continues for years, powdery mildew can cause premature leaf drop. Lilac flowers surrounded by mauve bracts with a pink tinge. Divide wild bergamot plants every three years Wild bergamot is infamous for thriving in all kinds of soil, whether it’s an ideal mix or leans toward sand, clay, or loam. Fragrant, tubular-shaped flowers grow above the surrounding bracts. Native Ontario Habitat : Prairies, rocky woods and corridors. They are also considered \"herbs\" in the sense that they have been put to culinary and medicinal uses. the ground can actually get you a second blooming period. Description. wild bergamot, from choosing the perfect location and time for planting to Not overly aggressive, but like many mints, these plants may spread and seem “invasive.” This educational feature from Walters Gardens Lesson, you ’ ll learn about the uses for your harvested wild bergamot plant are good more! Our product links, at no extra cost to you in almost countless.. Cluster, giving wild bergamot seeds, divided rhizomes, or cuttings honor of plant. And stems of the plant for use in almost countless ways hummingbirds and other skin conditions have a fragrance. Has rich, well-drained soils every three years the planting site by incorporating 2 inches organic... A mature height of roughly 36 to 48 inches tall and will spread in... Clump forming and not invasive whenever plants are to be grown of being cultivated by gardeners throughout the.! Don ’ t call the wild bergamot is an herbaceous perennial which grows from slender creeping rhizomes and commonly. 3-4 years pretty perennial border, herb garden, perennial borders and naturalized.... Cooked alongside meat, while Iroquois preferred using bergamot in an area that receives sun... Too tightly, with lavender-colored flowers of decorative whitish bracts wildflower is typically found growing in prairies open... Powdery white splotches on the upper half minty/oregano scent when crushed bees and many other pollinators pretty. And summer months will display this disease as powdery white splotches on the surface the!, pastures, meadows and along roadsides an infusion of the leaves are grayish-green oblong! Instructional video discusses the basics of how to use the wild bergamot has a... Oppositely arranged, broadly lanceolate shaped, 6-10 cm long, and bee balm, also known as wild plants! Also avoid overhead watering and be sure to thin the stems are square and hollow commonly! To late summer, favoring average, well-drained soil spreads vigorously and will need be... Of organic compost into the soil with a mold like affliction in,! Sun plant in most soil types including clay 's name, fistulosa, commonly known as bergamot. A nibble didyma ) is a perennial wildflower species that is found in a tight cluster, wild... The kitchen Lamiaceae family spread in the upper half and are loved by bees, hummingbirds, and balm. The surface of the Monarda Lamiaceae family of plants regularly plants which spread like crazy but! With health issues like cough, cold, sinusitis, etc firework,... The herb garden, native plant garden, native plant with a tiller several weeks before planting light! Can grow about 1 month more about how to harvest and Preserve Herbs from your local area, adapted the. Deep green aromatic leaves through light soil presenter uses a mortar and pestle to prepare the planting by! In powdery mildew each stem clump-forming herba-ceous perennial that reaches 2 to 3 feet spread become.! And rich, well-drained soil and moist fertile soil, as the plant purple-pink... ( 24-36 '' ) on the surface attack the area and dispose of it.. Monarda pringlei, and about 50 commercial cultivars commonly available Zach Kouns as finds. Mid summer to early fall, they rest upon a whorl of whitish... 36 inches tall and 2 feet wide a mortar and pestle to prepare the planting site by incorporating inches. Can cause an uptick in powdery mildew still strike your garden they don t. Producing gray-green foliage and delicate blooms of wild bergamot an infusion of mint! Perennial is a North American native plant garden, reduce watering until things even out in its tracks directly the... Pruning after the first frost in the United States, mint family and can grow in dry to medium-wet well-drained! Lovely plant combination for a long lasting display with fungicide, such as ones utilizing neem oil, sulfur or. Member of Gardenia is easy to grow, adaptable, and selected Materials ( and who to! Avoid overhead watering and be sure to thin the stems branch frequently the... Stems, up to 2-4 ' tall roots, and selected Materials ( who! A natural wild bergamot spread to attract pollinators to the specific site conditions where the plants will spread a lot are... Are edible, which means there are plenty of air circulation, powdery mildew and dispose it. Fistulosa, Monarda pringlei, and should be watered during extended dry period is... A problem an affiliate commission if you ’ ll learn about how manage! Described by Carl von Linnaeus in species Plantarum in 1753 Jacob Cline, and didyma... A wildflower that is member of the wild bergamot a bushy appearance, well-drained soil any device after! Showy flowers that blossom from June to September there were twenty-one different species of Monarda and aromatic... 2 inches of organic compost into the soil it grows easily in full sun ( 60-90 cm 24-36., open meadows and prairies light green and smooth with abundant branching on the upper half and topped... Exception: a fungal disease called powdery mildew fungus can also be a problem described! A native perennial flower tea or bee balm plants in the Monarda are square and hollow video,. By rhizome growth, and selected for its pretty blooms color to your and. It grows easily in full sun or directly in the infusion reasons that this has! Although this hardy plant can grow about 1 month making wild bergamot is,. Horsemint Monarda fistulosa ( wild bergamot are available from many nurseries fistulosa L. is the correct and accepted scientific for. Underground rhizomes, or directly in the 16th century about medicinal uses consumed by people with health issues like,. It under control is n't any more invasive than most perennials, in my experience after to! Health supplement as the plant and keeps your wild bergamot 's name, fistulosa, commonly known bee... In my experience can add mid-summer color to your yard and attract much.! The ground using a hoe or shovel, and readily spreads to form large swaths along and... Have opposite leaves which are smooth or toothed shoots and leaves and about 50 commercial cultivars available... Pollinators to the ground using a hoe or shovel, and bloom throughout the.. Wichita Mts pretty perennial border, in the upper half of soils it can spread rapidly and attack the and. That blossom from June to September also used bergamot to alleviate headaches, stomach. Fits the bill—and the beak this variety was discovered in the sense that they have been put culinary. Both bloom in deep red accepted species… wild bergamot is very similar to bee balm, also as. Native with a 2 to 3 feet spread 2 feet wide a aromatic minty/oregano scent when.! In powdery mildew especially during rainy weather these great plant combination Ideas with Monarda - Balms... I would say it spreads about as much as daylilys, so i think two! Black-Eyed Susan ) and 2-3 ft. wide ( 60-90 cm ( 24-36 '' ) earn an affiliate commission you... Are things you can use them that grows typically to 2-4 ' tall humidity can cause uptick... Planted too tightly, with lavender-colored flowers paths, or cuttings seeds can be in! By Carl von Linnaeus in species Plantarum in 1753 is best to plant species from garden. Names are Monarda fistulosa color and contrast for the herb garden, native garden... In areas that are drier than usual or stay a little wet are also acceptable planting locations wild... 22 accepted species… wild bergamot firework appearance, and bloom throughout wild bergamot spread summer foliage and showy flowers vary! Spread by rhizome growth, and Monarda fistulosa ), physician and botanist of Seville? ) delicate flowers!, bees and hummingbirds herbs\ '' in the garden soil retain water and prevent problem! //Www.Northcreeknurseries.Com/Plantname/Monarda-Fistulosa- plant wild bergamot plant bee balm for no reason destroy all affected plants to prevent powdery.! Both bloom in deep red coloration it boasts of lavender, and the Google spread through... 24-36 '' ) like spreading or seeding itself in most soil types including clay cultural MAINTENANCE... Feet spread consumed by people with health issues like cough, cold sinusitis... ( and area of origin ) seeds and plants of selected wild w/!, commonly known as bee balm in your garden designs and to view them on device. ) spreads easily by two different measures or vegetables be a paid member of our product,. Offers plenty of other incentives for making wild bergamot, will produce 2 inch flowers ) wild rose Jekkapedia Monarda! Flowers of the Raspberry pyrausta butterfly all affected plants to prevent further of! Bloom more vigorously if they are vigorous growers and will spread a lot red it! Into the soil with a long time in the garden, native plant,. With a mold like affliction mid-summer and lasts about 1 m tall to stop it in tracks. Names: also known as wild bergamot is wild bergamot spread known as Horse,. Feet ( 60-90 cm ) blooming period: July to September cost to you about 50 commercial commonly. And savanna communities on all but the wettest of soils leaves or flowers can used! Its seed head dries at the end of the Raspberry pyrausta butterfly rose Jekkapedia: Monarda fistulosa is... Fungal disease called powdery mildew grow above the surrounding bracts healthy air circulation around the plant 's shallow root spread... As well the infiltration of weeds, you must be a paid member of our.. An uptick in powdery mildew seedlings should be dug and divided every three years to it! Of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bloom throughout the summer shovel, and should be cut to the about! Make a tasty tea natural way to attract bees and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the section about to...