Monarda didyma (Bergamot)

Botanical name

Monarda didyma

Other names

Bergamot, Sweet bergamot, Oswego tea, Robin-run-around, Rose balm, Lad's love, Low balm, Mountain mint, Hare mint, Indian feathers, Indian plume, Bee balm, Bee balm tea plant, Fragrant balm

Genus

Monarda Monarda

Species

M. didyma - M. didyma is a perennial with aromatic, long, green foliage and distinctive, curving tube-shaped red or pink flower-heads from mid to late summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Leaves are aromatic.

Habit

Clump-forming

Colour

Flower

Dark-red in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Monarda didyma (Bergamot) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Bees (attract & feed bees), Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in free-draining soil in sun or partial shade. Although Monarda will grow in most soils, they prefer moist conditions.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Monarda didyma (Bergamot)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/