Bergamot
Monarda didyma
Also known as
Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Bee Balm Tea Plant, Fragrant Balm, Hare Mint, Indian Feathers, Indian Plume, Lad's Love, Low Balm, Mountain Mint, Robin-Run-Around, Rose Balm, Sweet Bergamot, Scarlet Beebalm, Bee balm
Photo by AllaM (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Bergamot
Bergamot Overview
Monarda didyma is commonly known by the names Bergamot and Bee Balm, amongst many others. It is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. Bergamot is an easy to grow and fast-spreading plant that can be grown as an ornamental due to its bright showy flowers or harvested for their edible leaves and flowers. This plant is fragrant and the scent is reminiscent of mint. They also attract birds, bees and butterflies and will make a lovely addition to any garden.
Common problems with Bergamot
Bergamot Companion Plants
Tomatoes
How to harvest Bergamot
Leaves can be picked throughout the spring and summer, and the flowers once they have opened.
How to propagate Bergamot
Seed
Sow seeds indoors mid to late spring, 5-8 mm deep. Germination takes 10-40 days. Transplant seedlings in early summer. Seeds can also be sown in situ.
Division
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or autumn either in pots or in situ.
Cuttings
Cuttings of soft basal shoots in spring. Harvest shoots with underground stem when 8-10cm above ground. Plant in individual containers in light shade til they root. Plant out in summer.
Special features of Bergamot
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees and butterflies.
Crop rotation
Bergamot is a medium feeder and should be fertilised every spring.
Attracts birds
The flowers attract sugarbirds.
Pot plant
Can be grown in a container in a mixture of perlite, peat moss, dry compost, vermiculite and some compost in a sunny location.
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Bergamot
Medicinal
Medicinal
Deer Resistant Plants
Although never fully deer proof - they are less likely to eat these.
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