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Also known as Wild Bergamot, this herbaceous perennial is native to much of North America, from Canada south to Texas, where it is mostly found in rich soils in dry fields, prairies and clearings, usually in calcareous soil. It grows from slender creeping rhizomes, forming drifts topped with lavender-pink flower clusters in late spring and early summer. These distinctive showy clusters are about 4 cm long and contain 20–50 true flowers, which have a spicy scent, sweet flavour, and are extremely attractive to pollinators. The leaves have a minty-oregano aroma. Height to 100cm when in flower. Frost hardy. Winter dormant.
9cm pot
Photos: Kahikatea Farm
A very easy care plant for full sun or part shade in neutral to alkaline well-drained soil. Tolerates heat and drought, and does not require much fertilising. Deadhead to promote further flowering and divide clumps every 3-5 years. Expands slowly to form colonies but is not invasive.
Both the leaves and blooms contain antibiotic and antiseptic compounds and were used extensively by North American tribes, who variously made it into teas to soothe sore throats, mouth infections and colds; poultices to treat skin infections and minor wounds; and tea as a general stimulant and to treat excessive flatulence. Bergamot is a natural source of thymol – an antiseptic used as the main active ingredient in modern mouthwash products.
Primary Actions: antimicrobial, antiseptic, anaesthetic, carminative, expectorant
Parts Used: leaves, flowers
Energetics: drying, stimulating, relaxing
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
