Basil Beebalm, Basil Bergamot, White Bergamot (Monarda clinopodia) is a herbaceous perennial from the Lamiaceae family. Native to the eastern United States, this plant thrives in lightly shaded mountain hillsides, woodland edges, meadows, and fields. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and is valued for its appealing fragrance and striking white blooms.
As a versatile perennial, it enhances landscapes while supporting pollinators. White bergamot is known to attract butterflies, bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for gardens aimed at promoting biodiversity and natural beauty.
| Common name | Basil Beebalm, Basil Bergamot, White Bergamot |
| Botanical name | Monarda clinopodia |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Species | clinopodia |
| Origin | Eastern U.S.A |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Plant type | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Hardiness zone | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil condition | Clay |
| Soil ph | Acid |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Spacing | 3 ft. – 6 ft. |
| Harvest time | Summer |
| Flowering period | Fall |
| Height | 3 ft. – 6 ft. |
| Flower color | Lavender, Purple |
| Leaf color | Green |
| Fruit color | Brown, Copper |
| Stem color | Green |
| Fruit type | Capsule |
| Leaf benefit | Edible |
| Flower benefit | Fragrant |
| Garden style | Native Garden |
| Uses | Meadow |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
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. M. clinopodia has also been introduced into Vermont and Massachusetts.
Monarda clinopodia is a perennial herb, growing 1 to 2 m (3 ft 3 in to 6 ft 7 in) in height. Leaves are simple and opposite. Leaf margins have teeth. Leafy bracts white or white-tinged. Corolla is white or pink, dark-spotted, 1.5 – 3 cm long. Flowers are bilateral with four petals, sepals, or sepals in each flower fusing into a cup or tube.
It grows in moist woods, thickets, ravines, and stream-banks. Flowers late June to early September. The plant attracts bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
M. clinopodia typically grows in moist woods, thickets, ravines, and stream-banks and may also appear along roadsides.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
White bergamot are long-day plants that prefer sufficient sunlight. It is advisable to plant them in a sunny spot. They can also grow in a partially shaded environment. For growth, white bergamot requires sufficient sunlight. They will bloom more if they receive more than 14 hours of daylight per day.
In midsummer, however, white bergamot need proper shade. Adequate sunlight is conducive to the accumulation of organic matter in the plant. If there is insufficient light, the photosynthetic rate of the plant will decrease. Problems such as weak stems, yellow leaves, and reduced flowering can occur.
Temperature
White bergamot are native to North America, prefer warm and cool environments, and can adapt well. White bergamot are cold-resistant and can withstand a minimum temperature of -28 ℃. Therefore white bergamot generally do not suffer from poor health due to low temperatures. During the winter in colder regions, the above-ground parts may wither but will regrow in the following spring.
White bergamot don’t thrive well in drought and prefer moist soil. It is advisable to provide sufficient water during the growth period to keep the soil moist. Attention should be paid to avoid standing water.
Watering
White bergamot thrives in environments that mimic its native habitat, where it enjoys consistent moisture. As a plant accustomed to regular rainfall patterns, white bergamot has moderate drought tolerance but flourishes when the soil remains evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.
Watering should occur once every week to maintain this balance. In an outdoor setting, white bergamot is particularly adept at adjusting to seasonal rain variations, making it a resilient choice for temperate gardens. Its ability to thrive with natural precipitation patterns underscores its preference for outdoor cultivation over indoor settings.
Soil
White bergamot can adapt to a variety of soils. The most suitable soil is slightly acid or neutral organic loam with good ventilation, permeability, and water retention. It is advisable to add sufficient nitrogen to the soil to promote the growth of stems and leaves.
Additionally, adding sufficient phosphorus and potassium can promote blooming. Low-salt and loose humus soil (containing 15% to 30% clay and 0% to 20% sand and gravel) can be used as cultivated soil. When grown in a pot, white bergamot needs to be re-potted once a year and provided with an appropriate amount of base fertilizer.
Fertilizing
Nourish white bergamot with balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and summer for robust growth, switching to high phosphorus types before flowering to boost bloom production. Fertilize monthly at half-strength, avoiding over-application to prevent root burn.
In fall, reduce frequency, allowing white bergamot to strengthen naturally. Ensure even soil incorporation for optimal uptake. Seasonally adjust to white bergamot’s growth cycle for a vigorous, floriferous display.
Planting Instructions
White bergamot can be sown in the spring or the fall. In temperatures of 20 to 25 ℃, white bergamot will germinate after 2 to 3 weeks. Before sowing, exposing the soil to sunlight will kill harmful microorganisms in the soil. If you are worried about uneven sowing, it is advisable to mix the seeds with some fine soil before sowing and then spread them in a flower pot or a sunny part of the garden. Keep the plants spaced about 46 to 61 cm apart and water thoroughly after sowing.
You can also use division to propagate new plants, which should be done in the spring or the autumn. Many small new seedlings will sprout around the old plant. Dig up the new plants and separate their roots before planting them elsewhere. Alternatively, divide the tufted plant into 3 to 5 branches and plant them directly. For potted plants, small varieties should be selected. It is best to change the pots once a year, usually in the spring or the fall.
Pruning
White bergamot need to be pruned in spring and have the buds pinched out at the seedling stage. This tip can help to control their height and promote branching. To adjust the height of white bergamot, pruning once in late spring or early summer is also advised. This is conducive to forming white bergamot with a good shape as well as promoting leaf growth and blooming.
After blooming, residual flowers will remain on the branches – these can be cut off. This reduces unnecessary nutrient consumption and is beneficial to later blooming. Branches affected by pests or diseases or that have died should be cut off immediately. In the winter, white bergamot are dormant so less pruning is required. Just remove any dead branches or leaves.
Propagation
White bergamot can be propagated by division, cuttings, or sowing. Propagation by cuttings is generally used in large-scale production. Division propagation is often used for home planting, while sowing can be used for home propagation as well.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Pruning and harvesting can be performed at the same time. Leaves of white bergamot can be picked for making tea or cakes in any season. For the best flavor, it is recommended to make tea using young leaves from the top of the plant. Picking these leaves will prevent white bergamot from growing too high and will also promote the growth of side shoots.
Find Where to Buy the Best White Bergamot (Monarda clinopodia)
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