Bergamot Cambridge Scarlet

A long-established, tried and tested bergamot cultivar, Monarda Cambridge Scarlet is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with an upright habit and long, elliptical, aromatic, bronze-tinged leaves, a lovely foil to the flowers. From July to September, the rich scarlet, shaggy flowers appear in whorls up the stems, each one with tubular petals surrounding a central boss and growing from deep-red bracts. The flowers are very attractive to bees, butterflies and moths. To prevent mildew, grow in reliably moist but not waterlogged soil, and mulch generously in early spring. Bergamot Cambridge Scarlet is good grown in drifts with grasses in a border. Keep the plant well watered in summer, leave the dead stems on the plant for winter structure, and divide congested clumps every three years.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: July to September
Hardiness: Fairly hardy – may not survive a really bad winter
Height: 35” (90cm) Spread: 18” (45cm)