Wild Bergamot

Bergamot can be 60 - 120 cm tall.

The fragrant lavender flowers bloom between June and Sept. Easy to grow.

Ecology:

Bee magnet, replenishes nectar by opening new flowers throughout the day. The pollen supports the monarda specialist bee which can only use bergamot pollen to provision her brood cells with bee bread. Larval host plant for moths in caterpillar stage. Tubular flowers also attract hummingbirds, moths and butterflies. Huge amounts of tiny seeds feed songbirds in winter. The leaves can be used to make tea.

Growing conditions:

Best grown in full sun, but can grow in part sun. Very adaptable to soil and moisture conditions. Best in dry, neutral to basic soil pH, limestone. Needs a sunny spot with good airflow to avoid mildew.