Scarlet Bergamot ~ Monarda didyma
AKA; Oswego Tea, Bee Balm, Scarlet Monarda
I liken Scarlet bergamot to the party animal of the garden, I mean check out that amazing flower head! The Onondaga Tribe of Oswego (part of New York, USA) introduced Scarlet bergamot as a beverage to the colonists and was used as part of the political protest better known as the Boston Tea Party in 1773. American patriots claimed ‘Oswego Tea’ was their beverage of choice, rather than the heavily taxed (imported) Oriental tea. 🌿All my plants are grown organically.
Scarlet Bergamot
- Growth type; Perennial expanding clump herb
Growing Scarlet Bergamot
- Climate; Cool to mild climate
- Exposure; Partial shade (especially where summers are hot) to full sun. Keep sheltered from high winds.
- Soil; Nice fertile soil that drains well. Won’t tolerate water logging at all but does need sufficient moisture.
- Tip; Divide every couple of years to keep vigorous flowering. Will die down during the cool months but will come back in spring.
Using Scarlet Bergamot
- Parts Used; Leaf and flower
- Uses; Herbal beverage, potpourri, cut flower, leaves can be rubbed on bee stings (that’s why it’s called bee balm)