Bergamot, 'Sweet Leaf' (Monarda fistulosa)
Aromatic Herb with Medicinal and Culinary Value
Common Names: Sweet Leaf Bergamot, Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: North America
Bergamot 'Sweet Leaf' (Monarda fistulosa), also known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a fragrant, perennial herb native to North America. This hardy plant is celebrated for its aromatic leaves and striking lavender-pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 'Sweet Leaf' is a versatile herb used for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental value. The leaves have a sweet, citrusy flavor and are commonly used in herbal teas, while the essential oils in the plant provide soothing and antiseptic properties. Its showy flowers and long blooming period make it a popular choice in herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and ornamental borders.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Foliage: 'Sweet Leaf' Bergamot has aromatic, lance-shaped green leaves with a strong, sweet fragrance reminiscent of citrus and mint. The leaves are packed with essential oils that offer medicinal benefits and culinary uses.
Flowers: The plant produces beautiful, lavender-pink, tubular flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. These long-lasting blooms attract a variety of pollinators and are ideal for adding color to the garden.
Growth Habit: This herbaceous perennial grows 2-4 feet tall, with a clumping habit. It spreads by rhizomes and can fill in garden beds, creating a lush, aromatic herb patch.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Bergamot 'Sweet Leaf' is well-known for its use in herbal teas, where its leaves impart a citrusy, slightly minty flavor. It’s also used as a flavoring in salads, soups, and desserts. Traditionally, Native Americans used the plant for its medicinal properties to treat colds, respiratory ailments, and digestive issues. The plant’s essential oils have antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in homemade salves and natural remedies.
Plant Type:
Perennial Herb
Harvest Season:
Summer
Mature Size:
Up to 5'
Soil & Moisture:
Moist, well-draining soil
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 3-9; Patio/Greenhouse 4+Propagation
Propagation:
👉 Checkout the Full Guide Here
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Important Shipping Information:
Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States. We use plant-based, plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, AND compostable packaging materials. All of our plants ship ready-to-grow in plantable pots (with the exception of citrus) and range in size. See the size guide on each plant page to learn more about what to expect upon arrival.
Shipping & Handing Cost
Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple orders with plants, so the more you grow, the more you save!
Order Processing & Shipping Schedule
Live plant orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Monday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Order processing time before shipment changes seasonally and averages from same day shipping to up to 14 days depending on season. (Spring is busiest!). Expected delivery date and lead time is shown at checkout.
Tracking Your Order
As soon as you place your order, you will receive order confirmation and a link to your Order Status Page. You can view and track your orders progress online any time via your Order Status Page!
When your order ships, we'll send you a shipping confirmation and tracking info to let you know it's on it's way! We'll also send you delivery confirmation as soon as your order has been dropped off!
You can sign up for additional order status/tracking alerts on your Order Status Page.
Heat Packs & Weather Holds:
Heat Packs
Shipping tropical plants to a cold climate in the middle of winter? We sell Heat Packs! If it's under 32 degrees in your area, we definitely recommend ordering a Heat Pack! Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack.
Weather Holds
Waiting for the perfect time to plant? You can order now and request a custom weather hold until your preferred arrival date. Please email care@sowexotic.com to request a custom hold.
Local Pickup at the Nursery:
Available for all plants!
Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico & Minor Outlying Islands:
We ship to Puerto Rico! Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of a plants that we don't ship.
Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico: Coffee, Palm, Banana
Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, Passion Fruit
