Purple bergamot is a native perennial wildflower in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to eastern North America, including North Carolina. The specific epithet is Latin and means “middle” or “intermediate” and indicates that this species was difficult to distinguish from other known species (see below). Purple bergamot spreads through rhizomes and is found in the rich, moist, acidic soil of stream banks, thickets and ditches. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. The flowers are prized by bees and hummingbirds. The leaves have a strong mint fragrance when crushed. There is difficulty distinguishing this species from wild bergamot ( M. fistulosa ) . This species may be a hybrid between wild bergamot and scarlet beebalm (M. didyma) . Further research will be required to sort out the identity of this species. Use this plant in moist areas of native/pollinator gardens or naturalized areas and along bogs, streams or ponds. It is an excellent choice for a rain garden. Be sure to give it room to form a nice-sized clump. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in crowded gardens, but it is usually in the late season after flowering. Prune stems to increase airflow. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the stressed plants become increasingly susceptible to disease. Rust can also be a problem. More information on Monarda .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Wet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Leaves are opposite, stalked, have a gray appearance, are lance-shaped with a triangular base. Stalks and leaf surfaces have fine hair. Margins are toothed on the lower leaves and less so on the upper leaves.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Panicle
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Fragrant, ragged cluster of reddish-purple tubular flowers and purplish bracts up to 2.5 inches wide in July and Aug.
Bloom time
Summer
Stem color
Green
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Eastern Canada to Eastern U.S.A
Distribution
AL, CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WV
Wildlife value
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Goldfinches will eat the seeds. Members of the genus Monarda support the following specialized bees: Dufourea monarda, Perdita (Perdita) gerhardi, and Protandrena abdominalis. This plant is resistant to damage by deer and rabbits.