Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Wild Bergamot - TreeTime.ca

Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Wild Bergamot

Malus x adstringens Thunderchild

Monarda fistulosa

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Thunderchild Flowering Crab
Wild Bergamot

Thunderchild Flowering Crab is a hybrid crab apple known for its attractive and fragrant dark pink blossoms and deep purple mature leaves.

Tree farmers will find this hybrid appealing as a pollinator for other apples, while home growers will enjoy the red pome's ability to attract flocks of Cedar Waxwings in the early spring.

This species is reportedly resistant to fireblight.

Wild Bergamot is a native perennial wildflower that is known for its fragrant lilac-purple tubular flowers. The flowers grow in dense terminal heads and bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new blooms, prolonging its display. They attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also serves as a host plant for the Raspberry Pyrausta (Pyrausta signatalis) butterfly.

Wild Bergamot belongs to the mint family, and its leaves, stems, and flowers are all edible. The leaves can be used to make tea or as a flavorful herb, with a taste often described as a blend of oregano and thyme.

It is resistant to deer and rabbits but can be susceptible to powdery mildew if planted too densely with poor air circulation. Wild Bergamot tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils, making it a low-maintenance addition to a variety of projects. It is well suited for pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens and naturalization projects.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Thunderchild Flowering Crab Quick Facts

Wild Bergamot Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $19.99
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: dark red
Berries: small red pomes that hang through the winter
Flowers: dark pink blossoms
Flowers: lavendar purple; tubular
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none




Other Names: bee balm, eastern bergamot, oswego-tea, purple beebalm, wild horsemint