Wild Bergamot

Growing

As a hardy member of the mint family, wild bergamot is a vigorous perennial that thrives when you allow it to establish deep roots. While you can start seeds indoors, many gardeners prefer using cuttings to propagate new plants. Once your plants are established in the garden, they are remarkably resilient and can survive even a hard freeze, making them a dependable choice for much of North America.

To ensure a lush display of pink to lavender blooms, provide regular watering, especially during periods of dry weather. Because this species is part of the Lamiaceae family, it can spread via underground rhizomes; if you want to keep it from encroaching on nearby garden beds, you may need to occasionally divide the clumps in the spring or fall. This plant is a powerhouse for biodiversity, acting as a premier honey plant by attracting a wide variety of pollinators to your landscape.