Monarda

Wild Bergamot/Beebalm

This genus was named after Dr. Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish physician whose Joyfull Newes Out of the New Founde Worlde was the first book to be published about the flora of the Americas. A summer-blooming member of the Mint family, everything about this plant is intriguing. Excellent in arrangements, its jaunty whorled blossoms and decorative bracts attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while holding our interest even in winter. Lining erect and robust stems, the opposite leaves are deliciously fragrant. An engaging addition to the border or a meadow setting, Bergamot offers pleasing contrast to the more undefined forms of the garden, as well as to the linear aspect of grasses. Happiest in moist fertile soil, Monarda’s dense clump needs to be divided every 2 to 3 years. Most of the cultivars exhibit outstanding resistance to powdery mildew.