Plant field guide
Wild Bergamot
Native wildflower closely related to bee balm with lavender-pink tubular flowers. Excellent pollinator plant and more mildew-resistant than common bee balm.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Monarda fistulosa
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 24 in (61 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spacing
- 18 in (46 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–9; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
More drought tolerant than bee balm. Spreads by rhizomes. Good air circulation reduces any mildew issues.
Pruning
Cut back old stems in spring. Deadhead for extended bloom or leave seed heads for birds.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer needed
None
Mulch
2 inches of organic mulch.