Monarda citriodora subsp. austromontana 'Bees' Favourite'

RHS Plant Profile
bergamot 'Bees' Favourite'
bergamot 'Bees' Favourite' RHS
Herbaceous Perennial Herbs - Culinary

A compact, clump-forming perennial, to 60cm tall, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that smell of lemons when crushed. Tiers of soft mauve-lilac flowers are borne in summer on upright stems

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Monarda can be annuals or clump-forming herbaceous perennials with aromatic, ovate leaves and terminal whorls of 2-lipped, tubular flowers from summer to early autumn
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow to dry out in summer

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Prone to powdery mildews