Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Most of North America. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Wild bergamot at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and flowers (tea; oregano-like seasoning) |
| Native to | Most of North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Wild bergamot toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Wild bergamot
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Wild bergamot
- How far apart should I plant Wild bergamot?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Wild bergamot need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Wild bergamot need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Wild bergamot?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Wild bergamot flower?
- From about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Wild bergamot poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Wild bergamot?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Wild bergamot. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Lavender shaggy flower heads loved by bumblebees and hummingbirds; drier-soil cousin of bee balm.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare