Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot)

Bergamot's lovely drifts of lavender in our local meadows are a sign of midsummer. Hummingbirds and pollinating insects flock to the flowers of this aromatic plant, which is in the mint family. Grows up to 4 feet tall, prefers full sun, will handle a variety of soil types and moisture levels. Blooms July-August. Deer do not like the aromatic foliage. Wild bergamot spreads quickly so may not be appropriate for small gardens. If you want to cover ground in a sunny area it is great. Pair with other spreaders like mountain mints and the more aggressive asters and goldenrods.