Wild Bee-Balm (Wild Bergamot)
By Lise Fracalossi
Monarda fistulosa
Native to: All New England
Life cycle: Perennial
Light: Full/Partial Sun
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet to Dry
Height: 2-4’
Spread: 12-18"
Spacing: 2-3’
Blooms: July-September
Bloom Color: purple
Natural Habitat: Woodlands, edges, meadows, and disturbed areas
Benefits: Deer/Rabbit Resistant, Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Urban Environment, Edible, Host Plant (eg. orange mint and hermit sphinx moths)
Pairs Well With: Foxglove beardtongue, Virginia mountain-mint, spotted bee balm, Virginia rose, and cranesbill geranium
“In mid-summer, distinctive lavender flowers bloom atop fragrant blue-green foliage, attracting butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Plant is aggressive in a small garden but is a great choice in a bed of its own or in a meadow. Leaves make a pleasant tea.”
–Wild Seed Project
Monarda fistulosa (wild bee-balm or bergamot)
Photo (and featured image) of wild bergamot in bloom by Eric Hunt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0