Wild Bergamot - Monarda fistulosa - Starter Plug
IMPORTANT PICKUP INFORMATION
THIS ITEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 25, 2026, FROM 10 AM TO 12 PM AT GREENVALE VINEYARDS, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND.
There is no delivery option for your seedling pre-order. You must pick up your plant yourself on the seedling sale date. Any seedlings not picked up will be considered a donation to ERICD's educational farm program.
What You Will Receive:
One (1) Wild Bergamot starter plug - a young, healthy plant with an established root system, ready to attract hummingbirds and countless pollinators while resisting disease. Wild Bergamot is the drought-tolerant, disease-resistant cousin of the more commonly known Bee Balm! This New England native produces shaggy lavender-pink flowers that bloom for months, attracting every pollinator imaginable. The entire plant releases a wonderful spearmint-oregano fragrance when brushed, making it a sensory delight. More resilient than hybrid bee balms, Wild Bergamot resists powdery mildew while spreading slowly by rhizomes to form attractive colonies. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and countless bee species consider this plant essential!
Outstanding Features:
Pollinator Powerhouse: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies (including Monarchs), bumblebees, mason bees, and countless other native bee species. One of the top pollinator plants!
Disease Resistant: Unlike hybrid bee balms, Wild Bergamot has excellent resistance to powdery mildew—stays attractive all season long.
Extended Bloom: Flowers continuously from June through September when deadheaded, providing months of color and nectar.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, handles dry conditions far better than hybrid bee balms while continuing to bloom.Plant Specifications:
Light: Full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours best)
Soil: Average to dry; tolerates poor soil and various soil types Moisture: Dry to medium; very drought tolerant once established Height: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet spread
Bloom Time: June to September (summer through early fall)
Hardiness: Zones 3-9 (perfect for New England)
Growing Tips:
Plant starter plugs 18-24 inches apart in spring or fall. Wild Bergamot prefers full sun and good air circulation to prevent mildew. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form colonies—give it room or plant where spreading is welcome. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Can be cut back by half in early June for bushier, more compact plants. Divide every 3-4 years in spring. Leaves can be harvested for tea throughout summer. Excellent for meadows, prairies, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.