Bergamot is hardy perennial herb native to North America and a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is both fragrant and decorative. It grows to a height of 50 to150cm and leaves are opposite, serrated, 5-15 cm long, 3-6cm wide and dark green with reddish leaf veins. It is flowering from July to late August and flowers are spiky, tubular, 3-4cm long ranging in color from white, pink, mauve through to bright red. It is particularly attractive to bees and hummingbirds and a welcome addition to any herb garden when controlled (it could become invasive). It grows best in full sun, but tolerates light shade and will thrive in any moist soil that is rich and well-drained.
Besides its medicinal qualities, the flowers and leaves are good ingredients for potpourri making. Both may be used fresh or dried but drying should take place in darkness to preserve color. Leaves and flowers are used in salads and with pork dishes but the herb is mostly known for making Oswego tea (as drunk by the Oswego Indians). Propagation is by root division in spring, by cuttings in autumn or by seeds. Harvest leaves any time once plant is established and flowers when in full bloom. Powdery mildew may become a problem.
bergamot
everythyng herbal at herb-garden world
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