Monarda didyma Labiatae

CULTIVATION A perennial, hardy, herbaceous herb with aromatic, oval, pointed, mid-green leaves and shaggy heads of tubular scarlet flowers in late summer. Reaching a height of 50cm-1m (18-36in), it prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun or light shade. Propagate it by taking root cuttings in spring or autumn, or stem cuttings in summer, planting them 45 cm (18in) apart. Harvest the leaves and flowers at any time, but pick flowers you want to dry from late summer. Grow it as a border herb and in fruit and vegetable gardens as it attracts bees. Recommended varieties Purple-flowered bergamot, M. ‘Blue Stocking’; pink-flowered bergamot, M. ‘Croftway Pink’.