Monarda media is a species of fragrantly flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name purple bergamot. It is native to eastern North America, including the eastern United States and Ontario in Canada.
This species is a rhizomatous perennial herb with square stems growing 2 to 3 feet tall. It may spread to form a colony. The oppositely arranged leaves are lance-shaped and mint-scented. The inflorescence contains tubular reddish purple flowers with purplish bracts beneath. The flowers are attractive to insects. The seed heads are attractive to birds.
This plant grows in swampy habitat such as stream beds. (info source: wikipedia.org)
Genus - Monarda
Species - Media
Common name - Purple Bergamot
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 9
Height - 24-36" (60-90 cm)
Spread - 15-25" (45 - 80 cm)
Plant type - Perennial
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Moist clay, loam, sandy
Water requirements - Average, moist
Landscape uses - For swampy habitat such as stream beds, wildflower gardens, Borders, Containers, Massings, Rock gardens
Germination rate - 95%
Bloom season - Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Pink
Useful Info | |
Germination | No pre-treatment needed. Sow seeds on soil surface at 70F and water. |