A mass planting of Bergamot can’t fail to impress. They bear curious, striking flowers in strong colours and have fragrant foliage. The leaves, when crushed, produce a wonderful aromatic perfume unlike anything else.

Although the most popular flower colour is scarlet, Bergamot comes in a wide range of colours, including pink, purple, mauve and white. The flowers are hook-shaped and appear in whorls around a dome shaped head while the leaves are oval shaped. It is quite difficult to weed around the plants, as the roots grow close to the surface.

Bergamot looks best in a herbaceous border and goes well with other plants. ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ is one of the most popular varieties and has, unsurprisingly, scarlet flowers. A similar pink-flowered plant is ‘Croftway Pink’. There is a also pure white form known as ‘Snow Maiden’.

In the winter, Monarda will be just present above the soil as a mass of small leaves. They are to be immune to frosts and require no special care. In exposed areas, the plants may need to be supported by stakes. The plants should be cut down to the ground after flowering, and mulched with manure each winter.

The leaves can be simmered in water to make a refreshing bergamot tea. The flowers have a similar scent to that of the bergamot orange (which is used to flavour Earl Grey tea), hence the plant’s common name.

Growing Requirements

Soil
These plants like full sun or very light shade and will thrive in most types of soil, except in clay or where the soil is very dry. They will need to be kept well-watered over the summer.

Size
Bergamot can range in height from 3ft to 5ft (90cm to 1.5m) with a spread of around 18in (45cm).

Propagation
Monarda can be divided in the spring, as they start growing. This will rejuvinate old clumps and provide new, vigorous plants. Cuttings can also be taken when the plant is producing fresh and vigorous growth.

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Monarda