Monarda ‘Elegant Rose’

Bergamot are unusual-looking but hardworking perennials that deserve a place in any herbaceous border or wildlife garden. Stiff, upright stems bear distinctive whorls of tubular flowers that are a magnet for bees and butterflies, and bloom almost continuously from July to September with regular deadheading. The unique flowers make an excellent addition to bouquets and the citrus-scented leaves can be eaten in salads or dried and used to make pot pourri. Unfussy about soil type and thriving anywhere from full sun to dappled shade, this reliable and free-flowering perennial will quickly form a dense clump that associates beautifully with ornamental grasses and purple-leafed plants.

From the latest Monarda breeding, the ‘Elegant’ series are compact varieties that have better mildew resistance than older monarda cultivars. Monarda ‘Elegant Rose’ bears whorls of intense reddish pink flowers with a prominent burgundy central dome.

Culinary note: Use the dried leaves to make Bergamot tea or use the sweet, spicy flavoured petals to enhance salads, jellies, rice or pasta dishes. For more details about edible flowers .

From the latest Monarda breeding, the ‘Elegant’ series are compact varieties with improved mildew resistance. Monarda ‘Elegant Rose’ bears whorls of intense reddish pink flowers with a prominent burgundy central dome. Pot up Monarda plugs and grow them on in cool, frost free conditions until they are large enough to be transplanted into their final positions outside. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Bergamot plants dislike soils which are particularly dry or have a tendency to waterlogging. Plant them in a moist, well drained soil, adding compost or well rotted manure to amend excessively heavy clay or sandy soils. Choose a position in sun, semi shade or dappled shade.