wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Pink/lavender Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Soil:
Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky
Fruits:
purple,brown Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,gray,white,gray
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Wild Bergamot should be watered every other week. When watering, give the plant an inch or 2 of water, enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Make sure to avoid getting the leaves wet as much as possible. Water in the morning so the plant has time to dry off in the sun. If rainfall is ample, reduce or skip a watering.
sunlight
Wild bergamot prefers full sun to partial shade; however, they will tolerate up to 4 hours of uninterrupted sunlight and can perform well in shaded areas as well. Direct sunlight is best for wild bergamot during the growing season, which is from late spring through early fall. During the hottest summer months, plants should be sheltered from the full sun to prevent wilting. During the winter months, wild bergamot should have 4 hours of direct sunlight and some shade in order to remain healthy.
pruning
Pruning wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) should be done in late winter or early spring, just before active growth begins. Prune the plant to just above the bottom bud and remove any dead or damaged stems. This will help promote healthy growth and also help control the size of the plant. Pruning should be done lightly, removing no more than about 1-third of the plant’s total growth. Doing this will ensure that the wild bergamot remains healthy and does not become overgrown.
