Monarda media (Purple Bergamot)

Monarda media (Purple Bergamot) is a clump-forming perennial boasting fragrant, reddish-purple, tubular flowers borne in ragged terminal heads, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm). Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, they rest upon a whorl of decorative purplish bracts. The colorful and nectar-rich blooms ensure that butterflies and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the garden. The silvery-green foliage of opposite, lance-shaped leaves, is covered with fine hair. Aromatic, leaves have a strong mint fragrance when crushed. Purple Bergamot is best suited to the rich, moist, acidic soil of naturalized areas and along bogs, streams, or ponds.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Will spread through rhizomes to form a colony.
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in rich, moist, acidic soils.
• This showy perennial looks great in prairies and meadows, rain gardens, and along bogs, streams, or ponds.
• Monarda flowers attract streams of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, but this plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
• This species is prone to powdery mildew. Providing good air circulation to combat powdery mildew is important. Prune stems to increase airflow. Rust can also be a problem.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
• Propagate by division, seed, or stem cuttings.
• Native to eastern North America.