Flower
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: white bergamot
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Native Range: Eastern United States
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: White with purple spots
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Clay Soil, Dry Soil
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, humusy, well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of clay soils and dry, partial shade or dappled shade conditions. Hardy in Zones 5-8.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Monarda clinopodia, commonly called white bergamont and basil beebalm, is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern United States from the Mid-Atlantic south to central Alabama and west to Illinois. It can be found in rich, moist woodlands, wooded ravines, pastures, fields, along streambanks and roadsides. Mature clumps will reach up to 2-4' tall with a similar spread spread. The oppositely arranged, 5-6" long, toothed leaves have a minty fragrance when rubbed or crushed. The stems and petioles (leaf stems) are typically have a maroon red coloration. Terminal clusters of 1" long, white flowers with purple dotted lower lips bloom from late spring until early fall with peak bloom typically in summer. The blooms are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Genus name honors Nicholas Monardes (1493-1588), physician and botanist of Seville.
The specific epithet clinopodia means "bed-foot", in reference to the rounded shape of the inflorescence.
Problems
Good powdery mildew resistance. Growth habit tends to be floppy. Stake or plant closely with more upright species for support. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Mass or allow to naturalize along the edges of woods, in shade gardens, butterfly gardens, and hummingbird gardens.