Bergamot Herb

This beautiful plant with its flamboyant flower is a native of North America and is now grown horticulturally in many countries throughout the world.

The species name Monarda honors the Spanish medicinal botanist Dr Nicholas Monardes of Seville who, in 1569, wrote a herbal on the flora of America. The common name, Bergamot, is said to have come from the scent of the crushed leaf which resembles the small bitter Italian Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), from which oil is produced that is used in aromatherapy, perfumes and cosmetics.

The wild or purple Bergamot (Monarda didyma) grows around the Oswego river district near Lake Ontario in the United States. The Indians in this region used it for colds and bronchial complaints as it contains the powerful antiseptic, Thymol. They also made tea from it, hence Oswego Tea that was drunk in many American households, replacing Indian tea, following the Boston Tea Party of 1773.

Species

There are many species and cultivars of Bergamot, too many to mention here, so I have included some from each of the species.

Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham'

Bergamot Beauty of Cobham

Hardy perennial. Ht 75cm (30in), spread 45cm (18in). Attractive dense 2-lipped pale pink flowers throughout summer. Toothed mid-green aromatic leaves.

Monarda 'Blaustrumpf

Bergamot Blue Stocking

Hardy perennial. Ht 80cm (32in), spread 45cm (18in). Attractive purple flowers throughout summer. Aromatic, green, pointed foliage.

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Bergamot Cambridge Scarlet

Hardy perennial. Ht lm (3ft), spread 45cm (18in). Striking rich red flowers throughout summer. Aromatic, slightly hairy leaves of a mid-green color.

Monarda didyma

Bergamot (Bee Balm Red)

Hardy perennial. Ht 80cm (2.5ft), spread 45cm (18in). Fantastic red flowers throughout summer. Aromatic, mid-green foliage.

Monarda 'Schneewittchen'

Bergamot Snow Maiden

Hardy perennial. Ht 80cm (2.5ft), spread 45cm (18in). Very attractive white flowers throughout summer. Aromatic, mid-green, pointed leaves.

Monarda 'Croftway Pink'

Bergamot Croftway Pink

Hardy perennial. Ht lm (3ft), spread 45cm (18in). Soft pink flowers throughout summer. Aromatic green leaves.

Monarda 'Prarienacht'

Bergamot Prune Night

Hardy perennial. Ht 1m (3ft) spread 45cm (18in). Attractive purple flowers throughout summer. Aromatic, mid-green, pointed leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Only species will grow true from seed. Cultivars (i.e. named varieties) will not. Sow the very small seed indoors in the spring on the surface of either seed or plug trays or on individual pots. Cover with Perlite. Germination is better with added warmth 21°C (65°F). Thin or transplant the strongest seedlings when large enough to handle. Harden off. Plant in the garden at a distance of 45cm (18in) apart.

Cuttings

Take first shoots in early summer, as soon as they are 7.5-10cm (3-4in) long.

Division

Divide in early spring. Either grow on in pots, or replant in the garden, making sure the site is well prepared with well-rotted compost. Planting distance from other plants 45cm (18in).

Pests and Diseases

Bergamot is prone to powdery grey mildew. At the first sign remove leaves. If it gets out of hand cut the plant back to ground level. Young plants are a bonne bouche for slugs!

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds of species. Divide roots. Dig up 3-year-old plants, divide and replant.

Summer: Take cuttings of cultivars and species, if desired.

Autumn: Cut back to the ground, and give a good feed with manure or compost.

Winter: All perennial Bergamots die right back in winter. In hard winters protect with a mulch.

Garden Cultivation

Bergamot is a highly decorative plant with long-lasting, distinctively fragrant flowers that are very attractive to bees, hence the country name Bee Balm.

All grow well in moist, nutrient-rich soil, preferably in a semi-shady spot; deciduous woodland is ideal. However, they will tolerate full sun provided the soil retains moisture. Like many-other perennials bergamot should be dug up and divided every three years, and the dead centre discarded.

Harvest

Pick leaves as desired for use fresh in the kitchen. For drying, harvest before the flower opens.

Cut flowers for drying as soon as fully opened. They will dry beautifully and keep their color.

It is only worth collecting seed if you have species plants situated well apart in the garden. If near one another, cross-pollination will make the seed variable -very jolly provided you don't mind unpredictably mixed colors. Collect the flower heads when they turn brown.

Container growing

Bergamot is too tall for a window box, but it can look very attractive growing in a large pot, say 35-45 cm (14-18in) across, or tub as long as the soil can be kept moist and the plant be given some afternoon shade.

Culinary

Pick the small flower petals separately and scatter over a green salad at the last moment. Put fresh leaf in China tea for an Earl Grey flavor, and into wine cups and lemonade. The chopped leaves can be added sparingly to salads and stuffing, and can also be used in jams and jellies.

Pork Fillets with Bergamot Sauce

Serves 2

2 large pork fillets

75g (3oz/6 tablespoons) butter

2 shallots, very finely chopped 40g (l½oz / 2½) tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons dry white wine

3½ tablespoons chopped bergamot leaves

Salt, black pepper

1 tablespoon double cream.

 Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/ 400°F/Gas mark 6. Wash the fillets of pork. Pat dry, season and smear with half the butter. Roast in a shallow greased tin for 25 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Arrange slices in warmed serving dish.

Prepare this sauce while the fillets are in the oven: Sweat the shallots in half the butter until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring all the time. Whisk in the stock. Simmer until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Then slowly add the wine and 3 tablespoons of the chopped bergamot.

Simmer for several minutes then season to taste. Remove from heat, stir in the cream, pour over arranged pork slices, garnish with remaining chopped bergamot. Serve with mashed potato, and fresh green broccoli.

Other uses

Because the dried Bergamot flowers keep their fragrance and color so well, they are an important ingredient in potpourris.

The oil is sometimes used in perfumes, but should not be confused with the similarly smelling bergamot orange.

Medicinal

Excellent herb tea to relieve nausea, flatulence, menstrual pain and vomiting.

Aromatherapists have found bergamot oil good for depression, as well as helping the body to fight infections.