White Bergamot

Monarda clinopodia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lamiaceae
Genus:
Monarda
Species:
Monarda clinopodia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul, aug, sep
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Coleophora heinrichella, Coleophora monardella, Eutrepsia inconstans, Hermit sphinx (Sphinx eremitus), Pyrausta generosa, ragged-edged pyrausta moth (Pyrausta signatalis), sparganothis fruitworm moth (Sparganothis sulfureana), Xenotemna pallorana

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus), Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers woodland edges and meadows

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seed is planted into round cell greenhouse flat liners with 38 cells per flat that have been filled with coarse processed bark and composted pine bark growing medium. Seed is surface sown at a rate of 3-5 seeds per cell and lightly covered with starter sized, 1/16" - 1/8" diameter, granite poultry grit to combat damping off diseases. Prepared flats are lightly hand watered to slightly moisten the growing medium and cold stratified at 35 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 21 days.

Source: npn.rngr.net