Bergamot Plant Care
Monarda clinopodia L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Monarda clinopodia, commonly known as white bergamot, basil bee balm or white bee balm, is a perennial wildflower in the mint family, Lamiaceae. This species is native to North America, ranging north from New York, west to Missouri, and south to Georgia and Alabama.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Bergamot?
Water Bergamot every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bergamot Native To?
What Is the Bergamot?
Bergamot (Monarda clinopodia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Monarda genus. Bergamot is native to North America, ranging north from New York, west to Missouri, and south to Georgia and Alabama. Bergamot is also known as Wild Bergamot, White Bergamot.
Bergamot displays an upright, clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bergamot produces showy tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bergamot?
Monarda clinopodia requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bergamot Need?
Bergamot thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bergamot Prefer?
Monarda clinopodia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Bergamot prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bergamot?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Bergamot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bergamot?
Feed Bergamot every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bergamot?
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bergamot?
Bergamot can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bee balm plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bergamot Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bergamot, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bergamot?
Bergamot is susceptible to powdery mildew, spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bergamot Need?
Bergamot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bergamot is native to North America, ranging north from New York, west to Missouri, and south to Georgia and Alabama. In cooler regions, grow Bergamot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Bergamot is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Monarda genus — compare its care with other Monarda species on PlantoScan.
Monarda is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Bergamot thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Monarda clinopodia L., family Lamiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 22 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bergamot, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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