Monarda media
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Monarda media

Purple bergamot · Purple Horsemint

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
152
Observations
15

Description

Source: leafsnap

Monarda media is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name purple bergamot. It is native to eastern North America, including the eastern United States and Ontario in Canada.This species is a rhizomatous perennial herb with square stems growing 2 to 3 feet tall. It may spread to form a colony. The oppositely arranged leaves are lance-shaped and mint-scented. The inflorescence contains tubular reddish purple flowers with purplish bracts beneath. The flowers are attractive to insects. The seed heads are attractive to birds.This plant grows in swampy habitat such as stream beds.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Purple bergamot thrives in moist environments and requires watering each week to prevent drought stress while avoiding waterlogging. As a herbaceous perennial, it benefits from mulching, which helps retain moisture and regulate temperature during its growing season.

☀️ Light Full sun

Purple bergamot is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous plant that originates in open habitats, frequently thriving in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Purple bergamot can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of water and heat conditions. It grows best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the chance of Purple bergamot dying. In winter, proper protection from cold can increase the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Purple bergamot is in early spring, as it is coming out of dormancy and starting active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Purple bergamot has fairly low fertilizer requirements, an annual application can improve its survival and encourage stronger, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Purple bergamot showcases vibrant purple blooms and a refreshing minty fragrance. To encourage bushier growth, prune the plant in early spring by removing any dead or damaged stems. Regular deadheading and pruning help prevent overcrowding and disease, promoting a resilient plant and extending its blooming period.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Monarda
Family
Lamiaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
61 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Red, Purple, Lavender
Flower Size
2.54 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Purple bergamot
en Purple Horsemint