Monarda fitulosa
Monarda fitulosa
Monarda fistulosa, commonly called wild bergamot, is a common Missouri native perennial which occurs statewide in dryish soils on prairies, dry rocky woods and glade margins, unplanted fields and along roads and railroads. A clump-forming, mint family member that grows typically to 2-4' tall. Lavender, two-lipped, tubular flowers appear in dense, globular, solitary, terminal heads atop square stems. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. The toothed, aromatic, oblong, grayish-green leaves may be used in teas. Long summer bloom period.
Care:
Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and some drought. Plants need good air circulation. Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. Tends to self-seed.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Pink/lavender
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy, Fragrant, Good Cut, Good Dried
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Black Walnut