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Bergamot (Monarda)
Also known as : Oswego tea
Bergamot provide loads of nectar and pollen to the many butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that frequent them. The flowers look like fluffy daisies and can have a wide variety of colors. Although members of the mint family, the fragrance from crushed leaves is more citrus-like and dries beautifully for potpourri use. There are over 20 species of bergamot.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Bergamot
Feedback
Attributes of Bergamot
Plant Height
60 cm
Spread
40 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Bergamot
Distribution of Bergamot
Feedback
Distribution Map of Bergamot
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bergamot
Feedback
Bergamot is a hardy herbaceous perennial known for its showy flowers. Basic needs include full sun to partial shade, medium water, and fertile, well-drained soil. Temperature-wise, bergamot thrives in warm, humid climates. Common challenges include powdery mildew, a fungal disease, and pests like aphids, and spider mites. Some species may also be sensitive to extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or frost. With season changes, bergamot benefits from spring pruning and requires ample water during dry summer periods.
How to Water Bergamot?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bergamot?
How to Propagate Bergamot?
How to Plant Bergamot?
Exploring the Bergamot Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.
Scarlet beebalm
This perennial forms a cluster of bright-red flowers atop a 91 cm long stem, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. The leaves are aromatic, with a minty smell, and can also be brewed into tea, as the Oswego people taught the early European colonists in the New York area.
Eastern Beebalm
Eastern Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana) is a perennial that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Bell-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun to partial shade with dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil. Encourage new blooms by deadheading faded flowers. It is resistant to powdery mildew.
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) is a perennial shrub that will grow to 61 cm tall. It spreads by runners but is not aggressive or invasive. It produces pagoda-like flowers in showy clusters of creamy, purple-spotted tubular blossoms. It blooms early to mid-summer attracting butterflies and bees.
Lemon beebalm
Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora) is a winter annual that will grow from 30 to 61 cm tall. It has unusual tuft-like flower heads with blossoms that range in color from lavender to pink. It blooms from spring to summer attracting butterflies and bees. If watered regularly it will continue to bloom through the end of summer. It is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. It spreads quickly.
White bergamot
This perennial flowering plant is often used in landscaping because of its pleasant fragrance and attractive appearance. Its native habitats are lightly shaded mountain hillsides, woodland edges, meadows, and fields. White bergamot attracts butterflies, bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds.
Mintleaf bergamot
Mintleaf bergamot features a proliferation of lavender blossoms arranged in dense, rounded clusters atop square stems. Its leaves emanate a minty fragrance when crushed, reflecting its adaptation to deterring herbivores. This perennial thrives in dry open woods and prairies, leveraging its deep root system to endure arid conditions.
Scarlet beebalm 'Croftway Pink'
It's not difficult to understand how scarlet beebalm 'Croftway Pink' gained its name with its bright pink blooms being its defining feature. It's a *Monarda* cultivar that differs from its parent plant in its flowering period with this plant blossoming between summer and fall and *Monarda didyma* in summer.
All Species of Bergamot
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.
Scarlet beebalm
Scarlet beebalm
This perennial forms a cluster of bright-red flowers atop a 91 cm long stem, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. The leaves are aromatic, with a minty smell, and can also be brewed into tea, as the Oswego people taught the early European colonists in the New York area.
Eastern Beebalm
Eastern Beebalm
Eastern Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana) is a perennial that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Bell-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun to partial shade with dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil. Encourage new blooms by deadheading faded flowers. It is resistant to powdery mildew.
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) is a perennial shrub that will grow to 61 cm tall. It spreads by runners but is not aggressive or invasive. It produces pagoda-like flowers in showy clusters of creamy, purple-spotted tubular blossoms. It blooms early to mid-summer attracting butterflies and bees.
Lemon beebalm
Lemon beebalm
Lemon beebalm (Monarda citriodora) is a winter annual that will grow from 30 to 61 cm tall. It has unusual tuft-like flower heads with blossoms that range in color from lavender to pink. It blooms from spring to summer attracting butterflies and bees. If watered regularly it will continue to bloom through the end of summer. It is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. It spreads quickly.
White bergamot
White bergamot
This perennial flowering plant is often used in landscaping because of its pleasant fragrance and attractive appearance. Its native habitats are lightly shaded mountain hillsides, woodland edges, meadows, and fields. White bergamot attracts butterflies, bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds.
Mintleaf bergamot
Mintleaf bergamot
Mintleaf bergamot features a proliferation of lavender blossoms arranged in dense, rounded clusters atop square stems. Its leaves emanate a minty fragrance when crushed, reflecting its adaptation to deterring herbivores. This perennial thrives in dry open woods and prairies, leveraging its deep root system to endure arid conditions.
Scarlet beebalm 'Croftway Pink'
Scarlet beebalm 'Croftway Pink'
It's not difficult to understand how scarlet beebalm 'Croftway Pink' gained its name with its bright pink blooms being its defining feature. It's a *Monarda* cultivar that differs from its parent plant in its flowering period with this plant blossoming between summer and fall and *Monarda didyma* in summer.
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Pink'
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Pink'
The scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Pink' was named for its bright pink flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in droves. This variety was cultivated from the Scarlet beebalm parent for its shorter height, being a dwarf cultivar and more compact in size. It was also created to resist mildew.
Scarlet beebalm 'Lilac Lollipop'
Scarlet beebalm 'Lilac Lollipop'
Scarlet beebalm 'Lilac Lollipop' was cultivated from its parent plant for wider and brighter flowers, formed in tight clumps. They are a luxurious lilac hue rather than the usual darker purple, and this plant grows a bit shorter. Finally, this cultivar is more resistant to powdery mildew, with reddish tinged stems and an herbaceous scent.
Scarlet beebalm 'Purple Lace'
Scarlet beebalm 'Purple Lace'
Scarlet beebalm 'Purple Lace' is smaller than its parent plant, with a final height of only 36 cm. It is named for its vibrant magenta cluster of tubular flowers that lend a burst of brilliant color. They are perfect for luring hummingbirds and butterflies to take a rest in any garden.
Scarlet beebalm 'Petite Delight'
Scarlet beebalm 'Petite Delight'
Scarlet beebalm 'Petite Delight''s compact stature and vibrant, tubular flowers make it a garden favorite. Its lush, aromatic foliage is a magnet for pollinators, with blooms unfurling in vivid shades of pink and red that thrive in full sun to partial shade. This perennial adapts well to moist, well-drained soils, where it exhibits resilience against common plant diseases.
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Rose'
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Rose'
The scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Rose' is appreciated by gardeners for its ability to attract large numbers of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This particular cultivar is more compact than its counterparts, so it can fit more easily into smaller gardens. Its name comes from its rosy pink color and the love bees have for it.
Monarda didyma 'Cherry Pops’
Monarda didyma 'Cherry Pops’
Monarda didyma 'Cherry Pops’ is named for its lighter, cherry-red petals, which are brighter and less purplish than those of the parent species. Rapid-growing and compact, it makes for a vibrant border flower, drawing the eye, as well as wandering butterflies, into your garden. With fragrant foliage that is resistant to powdery mildew it has dark green leaves and a purplish stem.
Scarlet beebalm 'Prarienacht'
Scarlet beebalm 'Prarienacht'
Scarlet beebalm 'Prarienacht' is a cultivated plant from the mint family. "Prarienacht" or "Prairie Night" is bred for its purple flower heads, along with its scented foliage used for flavoring in Earl Grey tea. It is an older cultivar, but its purple flowers and fragrant leaves make it stand out from others in the genus.
Scarlet beebalm 'Squaw'
Scarlet beebalm 'Squaw'
With brilliant scarlet petal clusters, the scarlet beebalm 'Squaw' is sure to draw the eye. The greenish-purple leaves carry an alluring scent similar to bergamot orange, which will permeate any space it grows. If you love a lively garden of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, this will be a nice addition to any flower bed.
Scarlet beebalm 'Marshall's Delight'
Scarlet beebalm 'Marshall's Delight'
Scarlet beebalm 'Marshall's Delight' is a beebalm that has such a showy pink flower it was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. In contrast, wild beebalms have red flowers. The flowers are fragrant and attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This Canadian hybrid was selected for its bright flowers and its resistance to mildew,
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Lilac'
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Lilac'
The first thing you'll notice about this scarlet beebalm is that it isn't scarlet. Instead scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Lilac' lives up to its name with striking starburst clusters of lilac flowers. This dwarf bee balm only grows to 30 cm, in contrast to the 1.5 m growth of the parent plant. The flowers attract lots of butterflies and hummingbirds during their long blooming period from late spring.
Scarlet beebalm 'Pink Frosting'
Scarlet beebalm 'Pink Frosting'
Scarlet beebalm 'Pink Frosting', named for the dome of sweet globular pink petals, has dark green leaves that release a minty scent. This delicate frosting is perfect for spreading across midsummer borders. They draw in buzzing bees and butterflies, creating a more lively garden.
Leading Lady Orchid Bee Balm
Leading Lady Orchid Bee Balm
Leading Lady Orchid Bee Balm is a monarda with several distinguishing features. It flowers in early summer, before other monarda, and grows in an unusually compact clump, ideal for gardens. The flowers stand out too since they are a bright orchid pink and attract attention (like the leading lady in a play or movie). The flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, so it is a firm favorite among gardeners.
Scarlet beebalm 'Fireball'
Scarlet beebalm 'Fireball'
Scarlet beebalm 'Fireball' is a striking and easy-to-grow perennial that attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies with its sweet, minty scent. It also makes a great addition to salads and teas, with its spicy and citrusy flavor.
Scarlet beebalm 'Pardon My Purple'
Scarlet beebalm 'Pardon My Purple'
Scarlet beebalm 'Pardon My Purple' is a compact variety of Scarlet beebalm. As a compact cultivar, it only grows to around 30 cm tall and spreads to about 30 cm wide. Other varieties of beebalm can grow to 1.2 m. The purple flowers which inspired the name can grow over 5 cm wide. The cultivar was created using the 'Grand Parade' and 'Grand Marshall' varieties of beebalm.
Basil beebalm
Basil beebalm
Basil beebalm boasts a blend of tubular flowers in hues ranging from pale pink to lavender, crowned with distinctive bracts. This aromatic member of the mint family typically thrives in open woodlands and prairies, its square stems and opposite leaves adapting well to its sun-drenched habitat. Its mint-like fragrance and nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm is recognized by its spotted tubular flowers often in shades of yellow and pink, arranged in distinctive, tiered whorls. Its leaves, coated in fine hairs, contribute to a slightly fuzzy appearance. This variety thrives in sandy soils and sunny conditions, often attracting a host of pollinators with its fragrant blooms. These characteristics enable spotted beebalm to stand out in its native grassland habitats.
Beebalm
Beebalm
Beebalm is a herbaceous perennial with a unique flair, characterized by its vibrant tubular flowers that range from pink to red and attract a bevy of pollinators. Its fragrant foliage, often in a lanceolate shape, emanates a refreshing aroma when crushed, revealing its dual role in both visual allure and sensory delight. Thriving in sun-soaked environments, beebalm stands out in wildflower meadows and borders, indicative of its resilience and ability to adapt to various conditions while providing ecological benefits.
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm is distinguished by clusters of vibrant, tubular flowers topping its square stems, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Adapting to sun-soaked fields, spotted beebalm's aromatic leaves thrives in well-drained soil, emitting a fragrance when crushed, which also deters pests. The plant’s resilient nature allows it to endure a range of conditions, from droughts to poor soil.
Redpurple beebalm
Redpurple beebalm
Redpurple beebalm is known for its showy, tubular flowers, most often in shades of pink and purple, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Its aromatic foliage, when crushed, emits a pleasant fragrance, hinting at its use in traditional herbal medicine. Growing best in sunny, well-drained areas, redpurple beebalm thrives in gardens and wildflower meadows, forming clumps with its square stems and lance-shaped leaves, giving it a robust, bushy appearance.
Lindheimer's beebalm
Lindheimer's beebalm
Lindheimer's beebalm is recognized by its impressive spires of lavender or pink flowers that rise above aromatic foliage in the warm months. This perennial thrives in sun-drenched, well-drained soils, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Typically hardy, lindheimer's beebalm exhibits resilience against drought once established, making it a favorite in water-wise gardens.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Bergamot
Monarda
Also known as: Oswego tea
Bergamot provide loads of nectar and pollen to the many butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that frequent them. The flowers look like fluffy daisies and can have a wide variety of colors. Although members of the mint family, the fragrance from crushed leaves is more citrus-like and dries beautifully for potpourri use. There are over 20 species of bergamot.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Bergamot
Feedback
Attributes of Bergamot
Plant Height
60 cm
Spread
40 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Bergamot
Distribution of Bergamot
Feedback
Distribution Map of Bergamot
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bergamot
Feedback
Bergamot is a hardy herbaceous perennial known for its showy flowers. Basic needs include full sun to partial shade, medium water, and fertile, well-drained soil. Temperature-wise, bergamot thrives in warm, humid climates. Common challenges include powdery mildew, a fungal disease, and pests like aphids, and spider mites. Some species may also be sensitive to extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or frost. With season changes, bergamot benefits from spring pruning and requires ample water during dry summer periods.
How to Water Bergamot?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bergamot?
How to Propagate Bergamot?
How to Plant Bergamot?
Exploring the Bergamot Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a wildflower related to mint. It is also known as bee balm and indeed attracts a great many bees (hummingbirds like it as well). Wild bergamot is sometimes used to make strong-flavored tea. One variant is cultivated specifically for its lemony-scented essential oil.
Scarlet beebalm
This perennial forms a cluster of bright-red flowers atop a 91 cm long stem, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. The leaves are aromatic, with a minty smell, and can also be brewed into tea, as the Oswego people taught the early European colonists in the New York area.
Eastern Beebalm
Eastern Beebalm (Monarda bradburiana) is a perennial that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Bell-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun to partial shade with dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil. Encourage new blooms by deadheading faded flowers. It is resistant to powdery mildew.
Spotted beebalm
Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) is a perennial shrub that will grow to 61 cm tall. It spreads by runners but is not aggressive or invasive. It produces pagoda-like flowers in showy clusters of creamy, purple-spotted tubular blossoms. It blooms early to mid-summer attracting butterflies and bees.
Show More Species
All Species of Bergamot
Wild bergamot
Scarlet beebalm
Eastern Beebalm
Spotted beebalm
Lemon beebalm
White bergamot
Mintleaf bergamot
Scarlet beebalm 'Croftway Pink'
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Pink'
Scarlet beebalm 'Lilac Lollipop'
Scarlet beebalm 'Purple Lace'
Scarlet beebalm 'Petite Delight'
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Rose'
Monarda didyma 'Cherry Pops’
Scarlet beebalm 'Prarienacht'
Scarlet beebalm 'Squaw'
Scarlet beebalm 'Marshall's Delight'
Scarlet beebalm 'Balmy Lilac'
Scarlet beebalm 'Pink Frosting'
Leading Lady Orchid Bee Balm
Scarlet beebalm 'Fireball'
Scarlet beebalm 'Pardon My Purple'
Basil beebalm
Spotted beebalm
Beebalm
Spotted beebalm
Redpurple beebalm
Lindheimer's beebalm
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
