Wildflowers come in many colors and shapes, but some stand out more than others when it comes to attracting wildlife.
One such star is the purple-pink wildflower known as Wild Bergamot. This purplish-pinkish flower is not just a beautiful addition to any garden; it’s also a big hit with hummingbirds and pollinators.
What Is Wild Bergamot?
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower native to North America. It’s part of the mint family and is known for its beautiful purple to pink flowers that bloom in summer.
Here’s a closer look at what makes Wild Bergamot special:
- Appearance: The flowers are usually a bright purple or pink and look like a cluster of small tubes. They have a distinctive, fluffy appearance and are arranged in a round head. In addition, the leaves are green, jagged, and have a slightly fuzzy texture. They grow opposite each other along the square stem, and the plant grows from 2′ to 5′ tall.
- Habitat: Wild Bergamot prefers sunny areas with well-drained soil. You can often find it in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. It’s hardy and can grow in various soil types, making it a versatile plant for many gardens.
Planting Wild Bergamot
Planting Wild Bergamot is a straightforward process. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
When to Plant
- Timing: You can plant Wild Bergamot either in the spring or fall. Spring planting gives the plant time to establish before the hot summer, while fall planting allows it to get ready for the next growing season.
Where to Plant
- Sunlight: Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Wild Bergamot loves sunlight and will grow best with at least six hours of sun each day.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, you might need to improve it by mixing in some compost or sand to help with drainage.
How to Plant
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil where you want to plant. Use a garden fork or trowel to break up the soil and mix in compost to make it rich and well-draining.
- Planting Seeds:
- Direct Sowing: If you’re starting with seeds, sow them directly into the soil after the last frost. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them down. Cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Spacing: Seeds should be spaced about 12 inches apart to give each plant enough room to grow.
- Planting Seedlings:
- Choose Healthy Seedlings: If you’re using seedlings, pick strong, healthy ones.
- Dig Holes: Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the seedlings.
- Plant: Place the seedlings in the holes, making sure they’re at the same depth they were in their pots. Gently pack the soil around the roots and water well.
Wild Bergamot pairs well with other native plants like yellow coneflowers and whorled milkweed. (ref) In colder climates, you can mulch around the base of the plants in late fall to protect the roots over the winter.
Caring for Wild Bergamot
Here’s a simple guide to help you keep your Wild Bergamot healthy and blooming:
1. Watering
Right after planting, give your Wild Bergamot a good watering to help it settle in. Keep the soil moist, especially during the first growing season.
However, don’t overwater; the soil should be damp, not soggy. Once the plant is established, it can handle dry spells better, but still give it water during long dry periods.
2. Fertilizing
Wild Bergamot doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. You can add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you want. Just a little is usually enough to keep the plant healthy and blooming well.
3. Mulching
Put a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This helps keep the soil moist and reduces the growth of weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant’s stems to prevent rot.
4. Pruning
Remove the old, faded flowers (this is called deadheading) to keep the plant looking neat and encourage more blooms. In late fall or early spring, you can cut back the stems to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the new growing season.
5. Pest & Disease Control
Wild Bergamot is generally good at fending off pests. If you notice any problems, like tiny bugs or sticky leaves, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat them.
Make sure the soil drains well to avoid diseases like root rot. If you see signs of disease, like yellowing leaves, remove affected parts and improve drainage.
6. Winter Care
In colder areas, mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to help protect the roots through the winter. This helps keep the plant safe until spring.
Uses of Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot, with its beautiful flowers and pleasant scent, has several uses. Here’s a simple overview of how this plant can be used:
1. Attracting Wildlife
Wild Bergamot is great for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The colorful flowers provide food and help pollinate other plants, which is good for the environment.
Planting Wild Bergamot in your garden can bring more wildlife to your yard and make it more lively.
2. Medicinal Uses
People have used Wild Bergamot in herbal medicine for centuries. It’s known for its diaphoretic and carminative properties, which can help prevent and relieve nausea, vomiting, and flatulent colic. (ref)
It’s also used to make tea. The dry extract for teas contain a significant amount of polyphenols, which are natural compounds with antioxidant properties. (ref)
3. Gardening
Wild Bergamot is often used in gardens for its pretty flowers and pleasant smell. It adds color and interest to flower beds and is a good choice for creating a natural look.
It also works well with other plants like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. These plants often have similar care needs and can make your garden look even better together.
4. Herbal Flavoring
The leaves of Wild Bergamot can be used to add a minty flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes. It’s a nice addition to meals if you like experimenting with native herbs.
5. Dried Flowers
You can dry Wild Bergamot flowers and use them in crafts. Dried flowers can be used in wreaths, arrangements, or potpourri, adding a touch of natural beauty to your home.
6. Aromatherapy
Wild Bergamot has a pleasant scent that can be used in aromatherapy. Its essential oil creates a relaxing and calming environment.
Wild Bergamot is hardy and easy to grow, which makes it a practical choice for many gardens. It doesn’t require a lot of special care, so it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.