Bee Balm or Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- This is part of Pollinators
- When to observe: Year-round
- What to observe: Bee count
It tends to self-seed. It has a long summer bloom period, i.e., from July until September. It is tolerant of drought and poor soils. It can be used as a border and/or to provide contrast in an herb garden.
The Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm plant is lavender or pink in color. It will grow in height from 2-4 ft.; the spread will be 2-3 ft. The flowers are tubular and two-lipped. They rest at the apex of square stems. The flower head is bedded upon a flamboyant, leafy bract, and the shade of that bract is pink. The leaves are grayish-green in color, up to 4 inches long, oblong in shape, and toothed.
Does best in dry to medium soil and full to partial shade. It requires medium maintenance.