Monarda fistulosa

Sizes available: HPP #1

Basics: zones 3-9, 24-48" x 24-36" full sun to part shade, pink Dr. Seussian blooms in mid summer, likes consistent moisture but can withstand some drought, quite adaptable.

Common names: Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin/Distribution: ranges from Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia south to Georgia, west to Texas and Arizona and north to Idaho as far as northeastern Washington. M. fistulosa is native to Maine.

Habitat: fields, thickets, clearings, often on lime-y soils

More: Good source of nectar, very pretty planted in a mass and does well with strong growers like Joe Pye Weed and Vernonias. It will probably get powdery mildew. Don't fret as it will survive. Plant where you can view it from afar or where you can hide its unsightly, moldy "legs" with other plants. Spreads by seed and shallow runner, so can even grow in clay that has a mulch layer over top. Wild Bergamot has numerous medicinal properties and the leaves can be used in teas. Deer resistant.

Nursery: Honey Petal Plants

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens