Common Names
Lemon Bergamot, Lemon Bee Balm

Botanical Name
Monarda citriodora

Plant Family
Lamiaceae

Native Range
United States, Mexico

Life Cycle
Annual

Hardiness Zone
2-11

Habit
Grows to about 3ft tall in bloom. Multi stemmed busy plants with whorls of lavender-coloured flowers.

Sun/Soil
Easy to grow and will tolerate a variety of conditions. Prefers full sun and does fine in both moist and drier soils.

Germination/Sowing
The seeds germinate easily and are best sown in flats in the spring and then transplanted out once they are big enough and danger of frost has passed.

Growing/Care
Lemon Bergamot does not need any special care.

Harvesting
The aerial parts can be harvested by cutting the plants down to a few inches above the ground. The medicinal properties are more concentrated when the plants are in bloom during the heat of summer.

Culinary Uses
Leaves and flowers are useful for flavouring various beverages and deserts, as well as meats and seafood dishes. Flowers are edible and may be added to salads.

Medicinal Uses
Lemon Bergamot may be used interchangeably with other types of Monarda and is similar in scent to Wild Bergamot (M. fistulosa). Monardas are used to treat colds and flus, as a strong antiseptic for healing wounds, and for its carminative & diaphoretic actions.

Other Uses
Lemon Bergamot is useful as a cut flower for bouquets.

Themes
Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Apothecary Garden, Container Garden, Low Maintenance, Cut Flowers.