- Botanical name: Monarda citriodora
- Common name: Bergamot
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial
Purple
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Flowers
Although its leaves are edible, it’s sometimes referred to as ‘lemon mint’ and it’s in the mint family Lamiaceae, Monarda citrodora is not a true mint.
Monardas have very distinctive shaggy, dome-shaped flower-heads comprising curving tube-shaped petals, which are extremely attractive to bees. Monarda citrodora flowers from mid to late summer, and blooms almost continuously if deadheaded regularly. The foliage is aromatic with a soft hint of lemon, and leaves are sometimes used in teas and for potpourri arrangements.
Grow Monarda citrodora in a free-draining soil in full sun and divide clumps every three years.
How to grow Monarda citriodora
-
Plant size
90cm height
60cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Monarda citriodora and wildlife
Monarda citriodora is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Monarda citriodora poisonous?
Monarda citriodora has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Monarda citriodora
