Monarda fistulosa

Also called Wild Bee Balm

Whorls of small tubular flowers are backed by leafy bracts
Lavender-pink flowers appear on square stems just above foliage
Matte-green toothed lance to oval-shaped leaves, 10 cm long
Foliage has an oregano scent when crushed
Upright mounding habit
Tolerates drier conditions than most didyma species
Bloom Time: June to July

ZONE:
3

COLOUR:
Lavender, Pink

HEIGHT:
90-110 cm

SPREAD:
75-90 cm

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Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Best grown in an average to moist soil, in full sun, however, it is tolerant of partially shady locations. Powdery mildew is a common fungal problem for monarda, although some cultivars are more resistant. All monarda should be planted in open areas that receive good air circulation and keep a consistently moist soil, to help prevent mildew problems. Mature clumps should be thinned out.

This species has good mildew resistance.

Additional Notes about Wild Bergamot:

Native to Ontario

Larval host for moths. The flowers attract many native bees and bumblebees and butterflies, and there is a specialist bee, Dufourea monardae, that depends on Monarda.

The common name: Bergamot can be confusing. Though teas can be made from Monarda leaves, the Bergamot in Earl Grey Tea is derived from an oil extracted from the rind of Citrus bergamia, a citrus native to Southeast Asia.