DESCRIPTION
One of the sweetest-smelling herbs, bergamot is an attractive herbaceous perennial and grows to around 1.2m tall. The leaves are pointed and serrated. The appealingly ragged pom-pom clusters of tubular flowers are pink, mauve or red. They are very popular with bees and nectar-seeking birds.
ORIGIN: North America
CULTIVATION
Choose a shaded areas that receives a little early morning sun. The plant likes moist, but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added. Mulch well. Propagate by division or by seed sown in seed trays in spring. It will also grow from cuttings. Cut back to the ground after flowering. The plant will regenerate in spring.
USES
The leaves and flowers can be used in salads and the leaves make an aromatic tea. (Bergamot flavouring used in Earl Grey tea actually comes from the rind of the Bergamot Orange Citrus bergamia). Bergamot is also a valuable addition to pot pourri.
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