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Monarda fistulosa 'Claire Grace' (wild bergamot)

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Technical sheet - Monarda

Monarda fistulosa 'Claire Grace'

wild bergamot

This great plant was named by Mike and Barbara Bridges, of Southern Perennials and Herbs, for their daughter. Soft lavender pin cushion-like flowers. Quite mildew resistant, with excellent, shiny foliage. Extremely showy. A must for the avid butterfly gardener!

SIZE
Monarda fistulosa 'Claire Grace' LP50 - 50 per flat Availability
Monarda fistulosa 'Claire Grace' - 72 per flat Availability
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Height

3 Feet

Spread

2 Feet

Spacing

12-24 Inches

Bloom Color

Pink

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8

wild bergamot Interesting Notes

This great plant was named by Mike and Barbara Bridges, of Southern Perennials and Herbs, for their daughter. Monarda fistulosa 'Claire Grace' has soft lavender pincushion-like flowers, growing 3-4' tall and 2' wide. When in bloom, it is extremely showy and was covered in 100% flower coverage for over 3 weeks during the three-year-long Mt. Cuba Center Monarda trials. 'Claire Grace' is quite mildew resistant, with excellent shiny foliage. It is a must for the avid butterfly gardener and you'll see why as it blooms from June to July!

Monarda fistulosa can be found as far north as Quebec and Manitoba, spreading down south to Georgia, Louisiana, and Arizona. Beebalm prefers full sun to part sun in average to moist soil conditions. It grows rampantly in moist rich loam but can tolerate drier conditions. In moist conditions, the plant is known to flop so a good plant to plant around other perennials that can provide structure. In drier conditions, the bottom leaves of the stems fall off, which also can be supported and hidden by a layered planting design and strong, perennial neighbors with a different season of interest.

'Claire Grace' is known for its ability to tolerate both wetter and drier conditions. Wild bergamot is particularly wonderful when planted near a spot where one can observe its flowers, not just for the beautiful blooms but also the wildlife attraction and how the seedheads dance in the early morning light after a frost. All Monarda is deer and rabbit resistant due to its aromatic foliage that resembles the taste of oregano. It provides habitat and forage to a wide variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds as well as some specialist insects.

Monarda fistulosa 'Claire Grace' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Found naturally in rocky meadows, thickets and glade margins. Prefer dry to moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in full to part sun. More prolific in full sun. This species is more tolerant of drought and powdery mildew than others. Needs good air circulation. Has creeping rhizomes that usually form in clumps. Propagated by seed and division every 2-3 years. Best used in wild gardens or in naturalized areas.

Good Substitutions

wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa

Key Characteristics & Attributes

Full Sun
Full Sun
Part Sun
Part Sun
Moist
Moist
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Pollinator-friendly
Pollinator-friendly
Hummingbird-friendly
Hummingbird-friendly
Drought Tolerant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant
Fragrant
Cut Flower
Cut Flower

Additional Information

Soil Moisture Needs
Average
Green Infrastructure
Green Roof
Wetland Indicator Status
Obligate Upland (UPL)
Plug Type
Horticultural Plug
Landscape Plug™
Attributes
Edible
Native to North America
Clay Tolerance
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Late Summer
Propagation Type
Vegetative