Bee Balm 'Bergamo' - Show-Stopping Color Pollinators & Spectators will Adore
Bee Balm ‘Bergamo’ (Monarda hybrid) is a compact, free-flowering perennial known for its soft lavender-purple blooms that appear from early summer through fall. Unlike some taller varieties, this selection stays neatly mounded and resists mildew better than many older forms. Its long-lasting blooms are rich with nectar, making it a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With its extended flowering window, tidy habit, and reliable pollinator appeal, this bee balm brings effortless color to sunny beds and borders.
Applications in the Garden
Excellent for pollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes
Ideal for cottage gardens, sunny borders, and mixed perennial beds
Great for patio planters thanks to its compact, upright growth
Adds long-season color in meadow-style plantings
Works well as a soft contrast to yellow, white, and deep purple blooms
Pairs beautifully with coneflower, yarrow, salvia, and ornamental grasses
Planting Tips - Bee Balm
Plant in full sun for the strongest flowering and best mildew resistance
Choose well-drained soil, enriched with compost for healthy early growth
Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent disease
Water regularly until established; afterward, water moderately
Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering into fall
Divide clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigor
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent mildew during humid weather
Plant Biography and Growing Environment
| Botanical Name: | Monarda hybrida |
| Variety Name: | Bergamo |
| Height: | 18″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
| Sun or Shade: | Full sun, afternoon shade in warmer climates |
| Plant Classification: | Perennial |
| Planting Season: | Spring |
| Bloom Season: | Spring – Summer |
| Bloom Cycle: | Only blooms once |
| Bloom Duration: | 8 weeks |
| Planting Depth: | 2″-3″ |
| Soil Requirements: | Requires rich, moist soils for best growth |
| Water Requirements: | Average |
Troubleshooting - Bee Balm
Powdery mildew: Improve spacing and airflow; water at soil level
Sparse blooming: Usually caused by too much shade—move to full sun
Leggy growth: Cut back lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom
Root rot: Avoid poorly drained soils; amend with grit or plant on a slope
Wilting during heat: Normal midday stress; plants recover as temperatures drop
FAQ - Bee Balm
Q: Is bee balm ‘Bergamo’ deer resistant?
A: Yes. Its aromatic foliage makes it unappealing to deer.
Q: Is bee balm toxic to pets or people?
A: No, bee balm is considered non-toxic.
Q: Does bee balm attract pollinators?
A: Absolutely—bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich blooms.
Q: Will it spread aggressively?
A: ‘Bergamo’ spreads slowly by rhizomes but stays well-behaved compared to older varieties.
Q: Can it grow in containers?
A: Yes. Its compact size and long bloom period make it excellent for patio pots.