Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
Why is bee balm called bergamot?
The reason that bee balm is also given the name bergamot is that the aroma reminded the botanist, Dr Nicholas Mondares – whose name was given to the Latin name of the plant, Mondara – of the citrus aroma of bergamot (Citrus bergamia).
Are bergamot and Monarda the same thing?
Monarda, called by the common names of bee balm, horsemint and bergamot, is part of the mint family. Native Americans made use of monarda’s essential healing oils, and spotted bee balm is said to relieve coughs, colds, fevers and minor digestive complaints.
Is wild bergamot the same as bergamot?
Wild bergamot is a beautiful plant that is edible and makes a reasonable tea, but it is not produced commercially for food. It appears to contain thymol, the characteristic essential oil of thyme (Thymus spp.) but not bergamot oil (link) suggesting the resemblance that gave it the name wild bergamot is superficial.
What grows well with bergamot?
COMPANION PLANTS: There is a wide range of associates including yellow coneflower, prairie dock, stiff goldenrod, whorled milkweed, yarrow, flowering spurge, big bluestem, Culver’s root and turkscap lily.
What is the smell of bergamot?
Known as the “prince of citrus,” bergamot is a sunny and pleasant citrus scent featured in many perfumes as well as luxury candles. It’s aroma is refreshing and rounded; sweet, but complex and deep at the same time; similar to lime, but with floral, herbal, and resinous undertones.
Is wild bergamot invasive?
Wild Bergamot is in the mint family and spreads by slender underground rhizomes, though it is clump forming and not invasive.
Why is bergamot not edible?
The fruit is sour and not edible and grown for its essential oil, which is contained in the peel. Bergamot oil imparts unique flavor or Earl Grey tea.
Does bergamot come back every year?
Does Bergamot Come Back Every Year? Perennial bergamot should return to the garden year after year. Annual bergamot, such as Bee Balm Lambada, will have to be replanted every year. Collect the seeds from the annual plants at the end of the season to save for next year.
Is wild bergamot aggressive?
It has fragrant foliage and stems which are typical of the mint family of which it is a member. It grows best in full sun in moist to wet soil and will spread aggressively in favorable conditions and is deer resistant.
Who should not take bergamot?
It’s important to monitor those levels if you choose to use bergamot supplements. Even if you don’t have diabetes, bergamot could make it harder for doctors to control your blood sugar during surgery. Experts recommend that you stop using bergamot supplements two weeks before you have surgery.
Are there two types of bergamot?
There are only four cultivars, Fantastico, Castagnaro, Calabrese and Femminello. Bergamot orange is harvested for its oil contained in the peel that gives off a soft and spicy aroma. Half of this oil is used in the food sector and the other half in perfumery or cosmetics.
What kind of bergamot is in Earl Grey tea?
bergamot orange
Earl Grey Tea has a very distinctive and unique flavour due to the addition of bergamot orange. Unfortunately many mainstream tea brands use synthetic bergamot to flavour Earl Grey tea. This is popular because the flavour is consistent and it contains no actual citrus.
Where does bergamot grow best?
Bergamot grows best in a moist, rich loam with a pH between 6 and 8, although loam soils may cause the plant to flop around during the growing season. Wild bergamot can actually tolerate almost any soil condition, from clay to rocky to nutritionally deficient soil, as long as it’s well drained.
When should I plant bergamot?
Feel free to plant your wild bergamot either in the spring or the fall. Although this hardy plant can grow in areas that are less than ideal, it prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Wild bergamot does require a spot with plenty of air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Should you deadhead wild bergamot?
Bee balm or bergamot (Monarda), another member of the indomitable mint family, also responds to deadheading.
Is bergamot A feminine scent?
Its scent is fruity-sweet with mild spicy hints, and you’ll encounter it as a top note in compositions within most of the fragrance families – male and female.
Is bergamot safe for dogs?
Bergamot oil is a dog-safe essential oil. Bergamot is calming and uplifting while having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for the skin!
Can you sniff bergamot?
Studies have shown inhaling bergamot oil can reduce stress or anxiety and promote relaxation. Even if you’re already feeling relaxed, bergamot oil can act as a nasal decongestant for stuffy noses—just inhale.
What animals eat wild bergamot?
This easy-to-grow native perennial is a true pollinator magnet! It will bring long-tongued bees, bee flies, butterflies, skippers, hummingbird moths, and many other insects to your garden. And of course, hummingbirds will feed on its nectar too!
What does wild bergamot attract?
Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.