Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
A fragrant native wildflower that attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its clusters of tubular lavender-pink blooms. This hardy perennial spreads naturally to form beautiful colonies and has been used traditionally for tea and medicinal purposes. Its minty fragrance and long blooming period make it a favorite for pollinator gardens and prairie restorations.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Wild Bergamot in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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Wild Bergamot · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: Vegetable, Herb and Mostly Native Pollinator Garden Cabarrus County Extension Demonstration Garden, Pollinators HOA Butterfly Garden in Brunswick County. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Displays from August to October.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Canada to North East Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Vegetable, Herb and Mostly Native Pollinator Garden Cabarrus County Extension Demonstration Garden, Pollinators HOA Butterfly Garden in Brunswick County
- +Attracts: Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds and butterflies nectar from the blooms. Members of the genus Monarda support the following specialized bees: Dufourea monardae, Perdita (Perdita) gerhardi, and Protandrena abdominalis. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Purple Coneflower
Attracts similar pollinators and both thrive in same soil conditions and sun exposure
Black-Eyed Susan
Complementary bloom times extend pollinator season and both prefer well-drained soils
Little Bluestem Grass
Provides structural support and creates favorable microclimate while sharing similar water needs
Wild Lupine
Fixes nitrogen in soil benefiting bergamot growth and attracts different pollinator species
Nodding Onion
Natural pest deterrent that repels harmful insects while complementing bergamot's pollinator attraction
Prairie Dropseed
Deep root system improves soil drainage and structure beneficial for bergamot's shallow roots
Wild Ginger
Provides ground cover reducing weeds and retaining soil moisture for bergamot
Goldenrod
Attracts beneficial insects and predators that control pests harmful to bergamot
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill sensitive plants like bergamot
Fennel
Allelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of most neighboring plants
Tree of Heaven
Aggressive invasive that releases growth-inhibiting chemicals and outcompetes native plants
Autumn Olive
Invasive shrub that creates dense shade and depletes soil nutrients needed by bergamot
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, can get powdery mildew in crowded conditions
Common Pests
Spider mites, aphids, generally pest-resistant
Diseases
Powdery mildew, rust in humid conditions