Bergamot

Adored for its showy mixture of scarlet, pink, salmon, and crimson flowers that pollinators cant resist! Its alternate name, bee balm, refers to the use of crushed leaves to soothe bee stings. Citrus-scented leaves and flowers can be brewed into a pleasant, soothing tea! Young leaf tips and flowers offer an added touch to salads. You will notice that bergamot has a flavour very similar to the bergamot orange fruit from the citrus bergamia tree used to flavour Earl Grey tea. In fact, it plays quite a role in American history, as it was used as a substitute for English Tea after the Boston Tea Party, as a protest against high taxation imposed by the British. Thymol content gives it antibacterial properties that can be utilized for colds, coughs, fevers and topically for skin wounds. A perfect choice for a butterfly or cottage garden as well as borders, creating a beautiful mixed colour contrast. Thrives is rich, moist soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers well-drained soil but is tolerant to a variety of soil conditions as long as it remains moist. Height 2-4 feet.