MONARDA FISTULOSA / WILD BERGAMOT

MONARDA FISTULOSA / WILD BERGAMOT

A Native Perennial with Soft Lavender Summer Blooms

Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot, is a hardy native perennial valued for its soft lavender to pink flower clusters and aromatic foliage. Blooming in mid to late summer, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils. Wild Bergamot brings a relaxed, meadow-like beauty while offering exceptional value to pollinators and beneficial insects.

Why Choose Wild Bergamot?

Pollinator Favorite: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Aromatic Foliage: Fragrant leaves add sensory interest and resist browsing.
Drought Tolerant: Performs well in dry to average soils once established.
Native & Adaptable: Excellent for naturalized plantings and pollinator gardens.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Gray-green, aromatic leaves.
Flower Color: Lavender to pale pink blooms in rounded clusters.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy and rocky sites.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 2–4 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Flowering: Mid to late summer.
Fragrance: Strongly aromatic foliage.

Ideal Uses:

Pollinator Gardens: Supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Meadow & Prairie Plantings: Adds soft color and native character.
Borders & Perennial Beds: Creates a natural, informal look.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Ideal for dry, sunny sites.

Wild Bergamot is a versatile and ecologically valuable native perennial. Its fragrant foliage, soft summer blooms, and strong pollinator appeal make it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.