Monarda hybrida Bergamo


Gold Medal

Monarda x hybrida 'Bergamo' stunned the Fleuroselect judges by its earliness and magnificent new colour. This annual Monarda produces masses of intense rose-purple flowers from June to August. Monarda x hybrida 'Bergamo' has a neat and compact form that is beneficial to growers. This intriguing new variety also has a dwarf habit that makes it interesting as a pot item for large containers. It has good garden performance and is highly resistant to mildew.

In detail

Monarda x hybrida belongs to the Lamiaceae/Labiatae family and is native to North America. It goes by the common name of Bee Balm or Bergamot. This genus was named after Dr. Nicolas Monardes. Bergamo has very distinctive flower-heads each one consists of a large number of curving tubular flowers growing out from a central point, creating a shaggy dome of petals. They are grown for their aromatic foliage as well as flowers. The whorls of Sage-like blossoms and decorative bracts attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Monarda x hybrida 'Bergamo' can be used to create an impressive border display. It will have great impact when used in mass plantings and edgings. This handsome plant will also shine out in rock gardens, meadow settings and prairie lawns. Vigilant deadheading will prolong the blooming period. Use it to create superb flower arrangements too.

Technical information

Novelty Characteristic:
Shorter and earlier than comparisons and new colour
Colour:
Intense rose-purple
Flower:
Single trusses in storeys
Flowering Period:
June to August
Type:
Annual, open pollinated, diploid
Use:
Bedding plant
Seed:
1800 seeds per gram
Plant:
Height 50-70 cm, spread 25 cm. Plant has storeys of flowers and green lanceolate leaves
Growing:

Direct sowing at 16 -18°C in April/May in fairly dry and cool conditions. Grow at 14 -18°C.

Planting:
25 cm x 25 cm apart and in a sunny spot

Registration details

Breeder:
Kieft Seed
Entry number:
27/05