Common Name(s): Wild Bergamot, Horsemint, Purple Bergamot, Wild Oswego Tea, Bee Balm (botanical name Monarda) Scientific Name: Monarda fistulosa Type: Herbaceous Perennial Root Structure: Fibrous Root System Sun Exposure: Full Sun (6+ hours a day); can tolerate some shade Soil Moisture: Dry to medium moisture once established. Moist during first year. Soil Types: Well drained loamy or sandy soil. Can tolerate rocky and clay soil as long as it is well drained soil. Other Benefits: Pollinator favorite; Deer resistant; Erosion control; Attract Hummingbirds Bloom Color: Pink to lavender flowers Bloom Time: Offers a long summer bloom period from June to August pH: Highly adaptable but prefers Slightly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline (6.0 to 7.5) Native Range: Broadly native almost everywhere in North America.