This species is a rhizomatous perennial herb with square stems growing 61 to 91 cm 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.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Monarda media is a species of 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.
Monarda media (Purple Bergamot) is a clump-forming perennial boasting fragrant, reddish-purple, tubular flowers borne in ragged terminal heads, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm).
Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, they rest upon a whorl of decorative purplish bracts. The colorful and nectar-rich blooms ensure that butterflies and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the garden.
The silvery-green foliage of opposite, lance-shaped leaves, is covered with fine hair. Aromatic leaves have a strong mint fragrance when crushed. Purple Bergamot is best suited to the rich, moist, acidic soil of naturalized areas and along bogs, streams, or ponds.
II. How to Grow and Care
Purple bergamot requires consistent moisture but also needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Its special care points include a need for full sun to partial shade for optimal blooming and resistance to mildew. Providing adequate air circulation around purple bergamot can prevent fungal issues, which is crucial for maintaining plant health.
Sunlight
Purple bergamot are long-day plants that prefer sufficient sunlight. It is advisable to plant them in a sunny spot. They can also grow in a partially shaded environment. For growth, purple bergamot requires sufficient sunlight. They will bloom more if they receive more than 14 hours of daylight per day. In midsummer, however, purple bergamot needs proper shade. Adequate sunlight is conducive to the accumulation of organic matter in the plant. If there is insufficient light, the photosynthetic rate of the plant will decrease. Problems such as weak stems, yellow leaves, and reduced flowering can occur.
Temperature
Purple bergamot are native to North America, prefer warm and cool environments, and can adapt well. Purple bergamot are cold-resistant and can withstand a minimum temperature of -28 ℃. Therefore purple bergamot generally do not suffer from poor health due to low temperatures. During the winter in colder regions, the above-ground parts may wither but will regrow in the following spring.
Purple bergamot don’t thrive well in drought and prefer moist soil. It is advisable to provide sufficient water during the growth period to keep the soil moist. Attention should be paid to avoid standing water.
Watering
Thriving in its native moist meadows, purple bergamot has adapted to regular hydration cycles, balancing its need for consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Its drought tolerance is moderate, preferring a steady environment akin to its origins. Watering should occur every week to maintain this equilibrium. As an herbaceous perennial commonly grown outdoors, purple bergamot particularly benefits from mulching which helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature – crucial during its active growing season.
Soil
Purple bergamot can adapt to a variety of soils. The most suitable soil is slightly acid or neutral organic loam with good ventilation, permeability, and water retention. It is advisable to add sufficient nitrogen to the soil to promote the growth of stems and leaves. Additionally, adding sufficient phosphorus and potassium can promote blooming. Low-salt and loose humus soil (containing 15% to 30% clay and 0% to 20% sand and gravel) can be used as cultivated soil. When grown in a pot, purple bergamot need to be re-potted once a year and provided with an appropriate amount of base fertilizer.
Fertilizing
For purple bergamot, use balanced nutrition fertilizers in growing season for robust growth and high-phosphorus options before blooming to enhance flower production. Fertilize monthly with diluted solution, adhering to the pack’s guidelines, and decrease in fall. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn, ensuring purple bergamot’s health and vitality. Seasonal adjustments in fertilization ensure purple bergamot thrives throughout its life cycle. Use personal protective equipment when handling fertilizers and apply at the plant’s base, not on foliage.
Planting Instructions
Purple bergamot can be sown in the spring or the fall. In temperatures of 20 to 25 ℃, purple bergamot will germinate after 2 to 3 weeks. Before sowing, exposing the soil to sunlight will kill harmful microorganisms in the soil. If you are worried about uneven sowing, it is advisable to mix the seeds with some fine soil before sowing and then spread them in a flower pot or a sunny part of the garden. Keep the plants spaced about 46 to 61 cm apart and water thoroughly after sowing.
You can also use division to propagate new plants, which should be done in the spring or the autumn. Many small new seedlings will sprout around the old plant. Dig up the new plants and separate their roots before planting them elsewhere. Alternatively, divide the tufted plant into 3 to 5 branches and plant them directly. For potted plants, small varieties should be selected. It is best to change the pots once a year, usually in the spring or the fall.
Pruning
Purple bergamot need to be pruned in spring and have the buds pinched out at the seedling stage. This tip can help to control their height and promote branching. To adjust the height of purple bergamot, pruning once in late spring or early summer is also advised. This is conducive to forming purple bergamot with a good shape as well as promoting leaf growth and blooming.
After blooming, residual flowers will remain on the branches – these can be cut off. This reduces unnecessary nutrient consumption and is beneficial to later blooming. Branches affected by pests or diseases or that have died should be cut off immediately. In the winter, purple bergamot are dormant so less pruning is required. Just remove any dead branches or leaves.
Propagation
Purple bergamot, a member of the mint family, is a perennial herb recognized for its fragrant foliage and attractive, tube-shaped flowers. Propagation is most effectively achieved through division, where sections of the root clump are separated and replanted to produce new growth. Care must be taken to ensure each division has an adequate number of roots and shoots to thrive. This process encourages healthy expansion, allowing gardeners to efficiently multiply their stock of purple bergamot while ensuring genetic consistency.
Pests and Diseases
This species is prone to powdery mildew. Providing good air circulation to combat powdery mildew is important. Prune stems to increase airflow. Rust can also be a problem.
III. Uses and Benefits
This showy perennial looks great in prairies and meadows, rain gardens, and along bogs, streams, or ponds.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Pruning and harvesting can be performed at the same time. Leaves of purple bergamot can be picked for making tea or cakes in any season. For the best flavor, it is recommended to make tea using young leaves from the top of the plant. Picking these leaves will prevent purple bergamot from growing too high and will also promote the growth of side shoots.
