Sale Sold out

fistulous bee balm

Name: fistulous bee balm
Brand: Akène
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Wild Bergamot

Latin name Monarda fistulosa

Quantity per packet Minimum of 300 seeds

This native perennial greatly enhances biodiversity by supporting numerous pollinators while providing edible leaves and flowers for culinary use and herbal teas. Its long bloom season brings color, fragrance, and ecological value to the garden.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameWild Bergamot

Latin nameMonarda fistulosa

FamilyLamiaceae

TypeNative perennial

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum of 300 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0061

Product
description

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a beautiful native perennial that combines ornamental beauty, aromatic foliage, and outstanding ecological value. Its rosy lavender flowers, grouped in showy rounded clusters, brighten the garden from June through August while attracting an impressive diversity of pollinators. Highly valued by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, it is one of the best native plants for supporting garden biodiversity. Its natural habit and long bloom season make it essential for pollinator gardens, naturalistic landscapes, and wildflower meadows inspired by North American prairies.

Easy to grow and well adapted to Canadian climates, Wild Bergamot thrives in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Its aromatic foliage releases a pleasant bergamot-like fragrance and also offers valued culinary uses. The leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried to prepare fragrant herbal teas, brighten salads, or decorate dishes. Hardy and vigorous, this native perennial returns reliably each year and gradually forms attractive colonies when grown in suitable conditions.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Wild Bergamot plays an important role in ecological gardens by continuously attracting beneficial insects throughout the summer. It pairs beautifully with Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Dense Blazing Star, and native grasses to create plantings rich in color, texture, and nectar. With its fragrant foliage, spectacular flowers, and easy care, Monarda fistulosa is a versatile perennial that brings both beauty and function to the garden. It is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to combine biodiversity, ornamental impact, and aromatic harvests in one planting.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodSpring after the last frost

Best time

Spring after the last frost

Sowing depthSurface to 3 mm (0 to 0.1 in)

Spacing / density

45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time10 to 30 days

Propagation

Propagate easily by seed or by dividing mature clumps in spring or autumn. Division quickly produces identical new plants.

Growing
method

Surface sow Wild Bergamot seeds or cover them with no more than 3 mm (0.1 in) of fine growing medium. Maintain temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64 to 72°F) with consistent moisture until germination, which generally occurs within 10 to 30 days. Transplant seedlings once they have developed several true leaves. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil in full sun, where good air circulation helps reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Once established, this native perennial gradually forms attractive colonies that support pollinators throughout the growing season.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Rich, loamy to clay, well-drained soil. This species prefers fertile soils high in organic matter while maintaining excellent drainage.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Moderate watering is recommended, especially during establishment and dry periods. Keep the soil evenly moist but well drained to prevent root problems.

Fertilization

An annual application of mature compost in spring is generally sufficient to maintain vigorous growth. Avoid excessive fertilization, which encourages foliage at the expense of flowers and increases the risk of fungal diseases.

Care levelModerate

In spring, remove the previous year's dry stems and apply a light layer of compost around the plants. During summer, water during prolonged dry periods and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Divide mature clumps every few years to maintain vigor and improve air circulation. In autumn, leave some seed heads standing to feed wildlife and support biodiversity. This perennial requires little maintenance when grown in a sunny location.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 L (5 to 8 gal)

Wild Bergamot performs exceptionally well in containers of at least 20 to 30 L (5 to 8 gal) with excellent drainage. Use an organically rich growing medium and place the container where it receives several hours of direct sun each day. Water regularly without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Container growing is an excellent way to enjoy its nectar-rich flowers and aromatic foliage on patios and balconies.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its fragrant flowers attract an impressive diversity of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its aromatic edible foliage also provides traditional culinary and herbal value.

Garden use

Wild Bergamot is perfect for pollinator gardens, edible landscapes, and naturalistic plantings. Its abundant blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout summer. It combines beautifully with Purple Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, and native grasses in prairie-inspired gardens, while its fragrant foliage adds both sensory appeal and culinary value.

Bloom period

Summer blooms produce beautiful rosy lavender flower heads rich in nectar. These flowers continuously attract pollinators while adding movement and color to naturalistic plantings.

Flower colorRosy lavender

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

Harvest leaves throughout the growing season for teas and culinary uses. Flowers can also be harvested from June through September for herbal teas, edible decorations, or drying.

Fruiting

Small seeds develop after flowering and may be harvested for future sowing or left in place to encourage natural reseeding.

Wildlife appealHummingbirds, bees, and butterflies

Size
and facts

Height60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in.)

Spread45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Colibristrue

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Black-eyed Susan, Dense Blazing Star, Purple Coneflower, Blue Vervain

Avoid planting with

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Ligularia, Horsetail

Recipe
and inspiration

The leaves and flowers of Wild Bergamot are edible and have a pleasant flavor reminiscent of oregano and bergamot. They can be used fresh in salads, summer beverages, or as edible floral garnishes. The leaves are also prized for preparing traditional herbal teas. This native perennial is highly valued in edible gardens for combining culinary uses, traditional herbal value, and outstanding ecological benefits.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Wild Bergamot seeds? +

Wild Bergamot seeds are generally sown in spring after the risk of frost has passed or started indoors several weeks earlier. Bright light encourages strong germination and healthy seedling development.

Does Wild Bergamot attract hummingbirds? +

Yes. Its nectar-rich flowers naturally attract hummingbirds throughout the summer, along with native bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial pollinators.

Can Wild Bergamot be used for herbal tea? +

Yes. The leaves and flowers can be harvested and dried to prepare a fragrant herbal tea, a traditional use that has been appreciated across North America for generations.

How can I prevent powdery mildew on Wild Bergamot? +

Provide good air circulation, plant in full sun, and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. These practices greatly reduce the risk of powdery mildew.

Is Wild Bergamot easy to grow? +

Yes. Wild Bergamot is a hardy native perennial that is easy to grow in Canadian climates. Once established, it requires little maintenance and returns reliably every year.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.