Monarda didyma, commonly known as 'bergamot' or scarlet bee balm, is an aromatic perennial native to eastern North America. We grow it beside our juniper and salvia in the distillery garden. Although it does not feature in our spirits, its scarlet flowers attract bees and hawk moths within our distillery garden.
Flowers
Bergamot produces striking scarlet flower heads, each made up of numerous slender, tubular flowers. These curve outwards from the centre, forming a shaggy crown above a collar of leafy bracts.
It flowers through summer and can continue into early autumn, depending on the weather and variety. Removing faded flower heads helps prolong the display. Its vivid colour makes it easy to spot among the green foliage of our juniper and neighbouring herbs.
Leaves
The pointed green leaves have toothed edges and grow in opposite pairs along square stems, a characteristic of the mint family. Gently rubbing a leaf releases its aromatic scent.
Their flavour is spicy and earthy, a little like oregano and thyme, with a minty note. The foliage adds interest before the flowers appear and offers a useful way to introduce visitors to the scents and flavours found in a herb garden.
Traditional use
Bergamot leaves can be used fresh or dried to make herbal tea. The plant is also known as Oswego tea, reflecting its use by Indigenous communities in North America. Its edible flowers have featured in culinary preparations too. Monarda has traditionally been used in herbal preparations for colds and congestion. This describes its historical use rather than a proven treatment.
Wildlife
Our bergamot is loved by bees and hawk moths. Watching them work around the flower heads is one of the pleasures of growing it. The deep, tubular flowers particularly suit long-tongued visitors that can reach the nectar inside. Bergamot provides food during summer and autumnal months.
Companion planting
We do not use bergamot in our spirits. We grow it as a companion plant beside our juniper and salvia, adding a summer nectar source, aromatic foliage and strong colour to the planting.
Garden
Bergamot prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Choose full sun or light shade; deep shade reduces flowering. On our free-draining chalk landscape, retaining enough summer moisture is an important consideration.
For gardeners growing it at home, incorporating well-rotted organic matter and applying a spring mulch can help the soil retain moisture. Water at the base during dry spells and leave space between clumps for air to circulate.
Powdery mildew can affect the leaves, so avoid crowded planting and overhead watering. Established plants spread through underground runners; dividing congested clumps helps manage their spread and keeps the planting vigorous.
