Flowers
Monarda didyma -
Bergamot or Bee Balm
These clump-forming, herbaceous perennials are a cottage garden favourite. Flowering from early summer to early autumn. The flowers are spidery domes of petals and are highly attractive to bees. Prefers sun to partial shade. Leaves can be dried to make bergamot tea and petals can be used in salads.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Position
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Height
- 90cm
- Spread
- 25cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow under cover Jan-April by lightly pressing the seeds into the surface of moist seed compost and cover lightly with soil or vermiculite. Keep at 20°C to aid germination. Prick out once seedlings are large enough. Acclimatise young plants before planting out 50cm apart once frosts have passed. Seeds can be sown directly Sep-Nov for flowers the following summer.
Aftercare
Keep well-watered in dry weather. Will form clumps in moist soils that can be divided every 3-4 years.
Gallery
Ref. SEM006