Wild bergamot (Monarda 'Pink Supreme')
Monarda 'Pink Supreme', a charming Wild bergamot, offers showy, fragrant pink blooms in summer. A low-maintenance perennial for moist settings.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ is a highly desirable herbaceous perennial perfect for adding vibrant color and structure to mid-summer gardens. This dwarf beebalm cultivar, frequently known as Wild bergamot, distinguishes itself with its dense, globular heads of tubular pink flowers that attract a host of beneficial pollinators. Gardeners prize this selection for its relatively compact size, reaching only about 15 inches tall, making it an excellent performer in borders where space is at a premium.
As a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ thrives best in environments that mimic its native prairie and woodland edges. It requires consistent moisture, thriving in medium to wet, moisture-retentive soils. While it enjoys full sun, a location that offers protection from the most intense afternoon heat in very hot climates will ensure optimal performance, especially when paired with adequate moisture.
The aromatic foliage and long bloom period from July through August boost the garden’s appeal long after spring ephemerals fade. Its low maintenance profile, coupled with its significant wildlife value, cements Wild bergamot’s place as a staple in ecological and cottage garden designs across USDA Zones 4 through 8.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ in the spring or fall, ensuring the location provides average to rich, humusy soil that retains significant moisture. While hybrids derived from Monarda didyma prefer wetter conditions, those with Monarda fistulosa parentage tolerate slightly drier sites; however, for best results, never allow the soil around this plant to fully dry out. Ensure good spacing, as the plant slowly spreads by rhizomes, and overcrowding should be avoided to promote air circulation.
Watering is crucial for healthy Wild bergamot growth, especially during dry spells. Consistent moisture supports robust foliage and helps mitigate common fungal issues that affect many Monarda types. While fertilizing is rarely necessary in rich garden soils, an annual top-dressing of compost in spring can provide necessary nutrients. Pruning is minimal; simply remove spent flower heads to encourage a neater appearance and potentially extend the blooming window slightly.
Every three to four years, plan on dividing mature clumps of Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’. This process prevents the plants from becoming overcrowded, which can reduce vigor and increase susceptibility to disease. Proper air movement around the foliage is a simple yet vital cultural practice that significantly reduces the likelihood of powdery mildew development.
Landscape Uses
Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ is exceptionally versatile, fitting beautifully into several landscape roles due to its moisture tolerance and summer flowering. It is an outstanding choice for rain gardens, where its medium water needs align perfectly with areas designed to manage storm runoff. Furthermore, its structure and continuous blooms make it effective when incorporated into perennial borders or traditional cottage gardens.
When planted near ponds or streams, this Wild bergamot adds vertical interest and vibrant pink accents along the moist sunny edges where other perennials might struggle. The dwarf nature of Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ also allows it to perform excellently in larger containers, either as a specimen or combined with plants that share similar sun and water requirements. Mass planting creates a powerful visual impact, turning functional areas into pollinator destinations.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Monarda is a genus prized for its mid-to-early fall blooming herbaceous perennials native to North American prairies and woodlands, providing necessary nectar for bees and hummingbirds. The genus name honors the 16th-century physician Nicholas Monardes, and some species are commonly known as beebalm, referring to a historical medicinal use of the leaves. Specifically, ‘Pink Supreme’ is a dwarf cultivar, topping out around 15 inches, and produces showy, pink, two-lipped flowers in dense, terminal heads atop square stems, offering an extended bloom during July and August.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
Powdery mildew remains the most frequently cited potential problem for the Monarda genus; rust can also occasionally appear. Susceptibility to these foliar diseases increases dramatically if the plants are stressed, particularly if grown in dry soils or if they become overcrowded. To manage this risk, ensure you provide Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ with excellent air circulation by spacing plants correctly and avoiding overhead watering late in the day. This specific cultivar is reputed to exhibit good resistance to mildew, but good cultural practices remain the best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Wild bergamot suitable for?
Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ thrives across USDA Zones 4 through 8, offering reliable perennial performance in a wide range of climates.
How large does Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ grow?
This dwarf cultivar typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall, with a comparable spread, making it relatively tidy for perennial groupings.
What sun exposure does Wild bergamot need?
For the best performance and longevity, Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade, especially in regions experiencing very hot summers.
When does Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ bloom?
This variety offers a satisfying bloom flush primarily during July and August, presenting beautiful pink flowers.
Conclusion
Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ is a superb addition to any garden requiring reliable, pollinator-attracting color during the peak summer months. Its combination of low maintenance, attractive pink blooms, and tolerance for moist soil makes this Wild bergamot an ecological asset. Before planting, confirm that your garden site offers the necessary medium to wet moisture conditions and plan to divide your clumps every few years to maintain garden vigor.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’, focus on plants that appreciate similar sun exposure and moisture levels. Grouping this Wild bergamot with other moisture-loving perennials ensures uniform watering practices benefit the entire planting area. Excellent companions include Astilbe, which offers contrast in texture, or various ornamental grasses that thrive in damp conditions and provide structural support as we move into late summer.
Wildlife Benefits
The flowers of Monarda are powerhouse magnets for beneficial insects and hummingbirds throughout mid-summer. Because this genus includes species commonly called beebalm, its tubular flower structure is perfectly adapted for attracting long-tongued pollinators like butterflies and specific bee species. Planting Monarda ‘Pink Supreme’ en masse significantly enhances the biodiversity in your garden corner, turning a simple perennial border into an active wildlife hub.
