Monarda ‘Purple’ – Wild Bergamot – Purple Bee Balm

Description

Vibrant and aromatic, Monarda ‘Purple’—also known as Purple Bee Balm or Wild Bergamot—brings bold color and pollinator magic to every garden. Its vivid, fringed purple blooms crown tall, upright stems with minty, fragrant foliage, delivering a striking midsummer display that’s beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike.

This fast-growing perennial from the mint family thrives in full sun to part shade and enjoys consistently moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for wildflower gardens, cottage borders, and pollinator habitats, Purple Bee Balm is deer-resistant, clay-tolerant, and an excellent choice for naturalizing. Its foliage releases a citrus-mint scent when touched, adding a delightful sensory experience.

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🔍 Plant Details
Botanical Name: Monarda didyma ‘Purple’
Common Names: Purple Bee Balm, Bergamot, Wild Bergamot

Height: 30–42 inches

Spread: 18–24 inches

Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade

Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; tolerates clay

Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall

Flower Size: 2–3 inch pom-pom shaped blooms

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4–9

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom; divide every 2–3 years; space for good air circulation to reduce powdery mildew risk

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💚 Why You’ll Love It

Pollinator Favorite: Bee balm lives up to its name, drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in abundance.

Fragrant & Beautiful: Minty, aromatic leaves and vivid purple flowers enhance your garden’s scent and style.

Easy-Care Native: A hardy, deer-resistant perennial that thrives in diverse soils.

Perfect for Naturalized Gardens: Spreads gradually, filling in borders or meadow-style plantings with color and texture.

Long Summer Blooms: Provides lasting color in the hottest months of the year.