Growing Bergamot

BERGAMOT, Bee Balm, Horsemint, Oswega, Indian Nettle (Monarda didyma)

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is one of those versatile perennials we really seek out at the Nursery. The group of Monarda's now host a wide range of colours from palest pinks, lilacs, purples and onto scarlet reds. All of which have not only visual impact but wonderful culinary and herbal properties.

Most Bee Balms grow in a full sun or light shade location. Shady spots result in mildews and leaf spotting, as will humid locations & heavy weather.

Best flowering is also acheived in full sun locations with Bee Balm, with most cultivars flowering on stems around one metre in height.

A prolifc plant if allowed, or enjoys too much good soil. We grow ours in very harsh spots to ensure containment. Plants tolerate even the poorest of soils (i.e. gravel, clay, sandy), running rampant in rich soils. Water frequently in poorer soils to reduce wilting.

A wonderful host to bees thus its name.

Prune back in Winter to ground level, split & divide if required. We recommend a plant split every third year or the bulk of the plants seems to eat itself away, prefering to move into fresh soil with better nutrients.