Wild Bergamot is a native perennial wildflower in the mint family. It is known for its showy clusters of fragrant, lavender-pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. With its aromatic foliage and tubular flowers, it attracts a variety of pollinators, making it a staple in prairie, meadow, and garden ecosystems.
⸻
Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 2–4 feet
•Spread: 1–3 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils; drought-tolerant
•Lifespan: Perennial
•Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July–September)
•Water Needs: Low to moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established
•Growth Habit: Clump-forming, with square stems and lance-shaped, aromatic leaves
⸻
Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for the Hermit Sphinx moth (Lintneria eremitus).
Pollinator Importance:
•Attracts bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and long-tongued bees.
•Highly favored by butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds for its nectar-rich flowers.
•Supports beneficial predatory insects like wasps that help control pests.
⸻
Companion Plants:
•Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Complements with bold purple blooms and attracts pollinators.
•Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) – Adds bright yellow contrast and extends the blooming season.
•Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – Provides nectar for butterflies and thrives in similar conditions.
•Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) – Offers a tall, spiky contrast and attracts Monarch butterflies.
•Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – A native grass that pairs well and provides winter interest.
⸻
Ecological Importance:
•Pollinator Magnet: Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
•Host Plant: Supports native moth larvae and beneficial insects.
•Drought Resilience: Thrives in dry, poor soils, making it valuable for prairie and meadow restoration.
•Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for its antimicrobial and respiratory benefits.
•Biodiversity Booster: Contributes to healthy ecosystems by supporting a wide range of insects and wildlife.