Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Bee Balm, is a native perennial that is highly valued for its ability to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. With its fragrant lavender-pink flowers and aromatic foliage, this plant adds beauty and ecological value to gardens across much of the United States.
Key Characteristics
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Height: 2–4 feet
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Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
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Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; tolerates dry to medium moisture levels
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Zones: 3–9
The tubular flowers of Wild Bergamot are perfectly designed for hummingbirds, allowing them to access nectar deep within the blooms using their long bills. The lavender-pink flowers are arranged in dense clusters atop sturdy stems, creating a visual beacon for pollinators. Its extended bloom period provides a reliable nectar source during late summer when many other plants have finished flowering.
Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions
Wild Bergamot thrives in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. It is highly adaptable, growing well in a variety of soils, including clay, sandy, or rocky types. This plant tolerates drought conditions and can flourish in sunny or partially shaded locations, making it a versatile choice for native gardens or pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Care and Maintenance
Wild Bergamot is easy to grow and requires minimal care. Regular watering during dry spells will promote healthy growth, but it is drought-tolerant once established. Deadheading spent blooms encourages prolonged flowering and prevents self-seeding if desired.
Ecological Benefits
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, Wild Bergamot supports bees, butterflies, and moths such as the Snowberry Clearwing (Hummingbird Moth). Its aromatic leaves repel deer and rabbits while providing habitat for pollinators.
By planting Wild Bergamot, gardeners can create a vibrant landscape that supports local wildlife while enjoying its colorful blooms and pleasant fragrance.
Why Grow Wild Bergamot
Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm, is a versatile and hardy native perennial that offers numerous benefits to gardeners, pollinators, and even herbalists. Its fragrant foliage, vibrant flowers, and ecological value make it a standout plant for any garden. Here’s why you should consider growing Wild Bergamot:
1. Pollinator Magnet
Wild Bergamot is a powerhouse for attracting wildlife. Its purplish-pink tubular flowers are rich in nectar and draw hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. As a native plant, it provides a vital food source for pollinators, especially during midsummer to early fall when other blooms may be scarce.
2. Beautiful and Fragrant
The plant’s oregano-scented foliage and striking blooms add both visual interest and aromatic appeal to gardens. Its tall, upright growth habit makes it ideal for borders, native plant gardens, rain gardens, or naturalized areas.
3. Low-Maintenance
Wild Bergamot is highly adaptable and thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet impactful addition to their landscape.
4. Culinary Uses
The leaves and flowers of Wild Bergamot are edible and can be used fresh or dried in teas or as a seasoning. The flavor is similar to oregano or thyme, making it a unique addition to your kitchen.
5. Medicinal Properties
Historically used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, Wild Bergamot has been valued for treating colds, sore throats, fevers, digestive issues, and infections. The plant contains thymol and carvacrol—compounds with antiseptic and antimicrobial properties—making it useful in herbal remedies.
6. Deer Resistance
Wild Bergamot’s strong fragrance deters deer and other herbivores from grazing on it, making it an excellent addition to gardens in areas with high deer populations.
7. Easy Propagation
Wild Bergamot spreads through rhizomes but can be easily controlled by dividing clumps every 2–3 years. It also produces abundant seeds that can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow.
VIDEO: Wild Bergamot is a perennial wildflower native to most of North America. Scientifically known as Monarda fistulosa, it will grow 2-4′ tall in full sun and well drained soil. A member of the mint family, Wild Bergamot blooms for 1 month in Summer, and attracts many of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Planting Tips
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Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
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Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow air circulation and prevent powdery mildew.
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Watering: Water regularly during establishment; reduce watering once mature.
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Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and cut back stems in the fall for tidy growth in spring.
Why It Belongs in Your Garden
Wild Bergamot is more than just a beautiful flowering plant—it’s an ecological workhorse that supports pollinators while adding charm to your garden. Whether you’re creating a pollinator haven or simply want an easy-to-grow perennial with culinary and medicinal uses, Wild Bergamot is an exceptional choice!
VIDEO: Wild Bergamot is a wonderful native plant here in most of the United States. It can handle lots of different soil conditions and is a tough plant. It likes to self seed and smells amazing. Watch the full video to learn more details! It’s also beloved by hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. What’s NOT to love?
Unique Characteristics of Wild Bergamot That Make It Attractive to Hummingbirds
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Bee Balm, is a native perennial with several unique traits that make it highly appealing to hummingbirds. Its tubular flowers, abundant nectar, and adaptability contribute to its success as a hummingbird magnet.
- Tubular Flower Shape
The flowers of Wild Bergamot are tubular and two-lipped, perfectly suited for the long bills and tongues of hummingbirds. This structure allows them to efficiently access nectar deep within the blooms while ensuring effective pollination as they transfer pollen between flowers.
- Nectar-Rich Blooms
Wild Bergamot produces an abundant supply of nectar, making it an energy-rich food source for hummingbirds during their active feeding periods. Its blooming season spans mid-summer to early fall, providing a reliable nectar source when other plants may have finished flowering. This extended bloom period is particularly valuable for hummingbirds preparing for migration.
- Bright and Showy Flowers
The lavender-pink or purple flowers of Wild Bergamot are visually striking and arranged in dense clusters atop tall stems. While 
hummingbirds are often drawn to red flowers, they also visit purple and pink blooms, especially when they contain high concentrations of nectar.
- Adaptability
Wild Bergamot thrives in various soil types, including clay, sandy, and rocky soils. It tolerates dry to medium moisture levels and grows well in full sun or partial shade. This adaptability ensures that it can flourish in gardens or naturalized areas where hummingbirds forage.
Aromatic Foliage
The fragrant leaves of Wild Bergamot may deter herbivores like deer and rabbits, ensuring that the flowers remain undisturbed for pollinators like hummingbirds.
By planting Wild Bergamot, gardeners can provide essential resources for hummingbirds while enjoying its colorful blooms and ecological
A few additions that will make any garden more hummingbird friendly
Provide nesting materials like cotton or plant fibers. You can place these materials in suet cages or spread them around your garden.
A major component of any successful hummingbird garden is a dependable hummingbird feeder that is easy to take apart and clean and doesn’t leak.
One of the best Hummingbird feeders that’s easy to take apart and clean is the HummZinger Ultra.
Aspects 12oz HummZinger Ultra With Nectar Guard.
The HummZinger Ultra 12oz Saucer Feeder is one of the best options for a hummingbird feeder that’s both easy to clean and maintain. This top-tier feeder features patented Nectar Guard tips—flexible membranes on the feeding ports that keep flying insects out while still allowing hummingbirds to feed freely. Plus, it comes with an integrated ant moat to prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar, and the raised flower ports help divert rain, keeping the nectar fresh.
With a 12 oz capacity, this mid-size feeder offers plenty of space and can be hung or mounted on a post using the included hardware. It has four feeding ports and is made from durable, unbreakable polycarbonate. Whether you’re concerned about bees, wasps, or ants, this feeder is built for easy cleaning and insect protection.
If you already have a hummingbird feeder, and you want to protect it from ants and other crawling insects, the ant moat below will do the job.
Trap-It Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders
Using an ant moat for your hummingbird feeder is an effective way to keep ants away from the sweet nectar. These tiny creatures are drawn to
the sugar water, and without a barrier, they will quickly infest your feeder, preventing the birds from enjoying the nectar. An ant moat works by creating a barrier of water that ants can’t cross. Positioned above the feeder, it effectively blocks the ants’ path, keeping them from reaching the nectar.
This simple solution also ensures that your hummingbird feeder remains clean and accessible for the birds, rather than becoming a breeding ground for ants or other pests. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy, inviting space for hummingbirds, while also reducing the need for chemical ant deterrents.
The first and still the best to protect your Hummingbird and Oriole feeder from ants and other crawling insects. Insert between hanger and feeder and fill with water, providing a barrier to crawling pests. Red color to attract hummingbirds.
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need water and safe spaces to rest. By providing a birdbath or misting system, you can ensure they have everything they need.
Water Sources
Hummingbirds enjoy fresh water to drink and bathe. A shallow birdbath with a fine spray from a mister is ideal. Just make sure the water is changed regularly to keep it clean.
Here’s a solar powered bird bath.
Hummingbird misters at Amazon.com
Install shallow bird baths with gently sloping edges. Hummingbirds prefer water sources that are no more than 1-1.5 inches deep.
Consider adding a mister or dripper to create moving water, which attracts hummingbirds. They often enjoy flying through fine sprays of water.
A hummingbird perch is a good way to attract hummingbirds to a particular spot near your feeder
Use Songbird Essentials Nectar Aid Self Measuring Pitcher and never measure ingredients again. Make any amount and the ingredients are measured for you.
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Nectar Fortress™ Natural Ant Repellent
CREATED FOR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS: Stop ants fast and keep them away from the bird feeder altogether. Use it on poles or hooks and create a barrier with a scent ants hate. Useful with ant moats or eliminate the moat entirely.
C’ANT, Ant and Bee Repellent for Hummingbird Nectar Feeders and Outdoor Bird Seed Feeders – Works with Shepherds Hook and Ant Moat – 1 oz.
Here’s a complete guide to attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It lists plants, vines and shrubs that are in bloom for spring, summer and fall. Your hummingbirds will always have flowers to feed on.
Here’s a great article that tells everything you need to know about how to choose the best place to hang your hummingbird feeder.
Here’s the best designed hummingbird feeder to use. It’s leak proof, so it won’t attract insects and it’s easy to take apart and clean.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your hummingbird feeder for those times when the nectar is not changed soon enough and mold starts to grow.
Hummingbird Resources
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Hummingbird Conservation
This site offers detailed information about various hummingbird species, their habitats, and conservation efforts. It also provides resources on how to protect these fascinating birds.
National Park Service – Hummingbird Resources
The National Park Service offers insights into hummingbird species found in national parks, their behaviors, and their role in ecosystems, along with tips for observing them.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Birds: Hummingbirds
This resource provides educational materials on the role of hummingbirds in pollination and biodiversity, backed by scientific research and exhibits from the Smithsonian.
