Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace’ – Wild Bergamot – 1-Quart

Wild Bergamot foliage can be plagued by powdery mildew – a fungal disease that detracts from the plant’s wonderful floral display at the height of Summer. This cultivar, discovered in Tylertown, Mississippi by Barb and Michael Bridges of Southern Perennials and Herbs and named for their daughter, seems to be quite resistant to mildew, though not completely immune. It has soft to deep lavender, 3 in. wide, tubular, pin cushion-like flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The toothed, aromatic, oblong, grayish-green leaves may be used in teas. Despite its southern origin, ‘Claire Grace’ seems to be perfectly cold-hardy in our area. A top performer in the Mt Cuba study of Monarda, largely for its prolific floral display.