Buttonbush vs Wild Bergamot - TreeTime.ca

Buttonbush vs Wild Bergamot

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Monarda fistulosa

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Buttonbush
Wild Bergamot

Buttonbush is a moisture loving shrub that provides year round interest.

It has round, fragrant flowers resembling small buttons or pincushions. The flowers transform into small reddish-brown fruit that persists into winter while the leaves take on shades of red in fall.

Providing essential food to bees, butterflies, and other insects, this shrub is versatile. Try it in your next shrub border.

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.

Buttonbush Quick Facts

Wild Bergamot Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: large, white, spherical
Flowers: lavendar purple; tubular
Bloom time: mid summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC
Other Names: bee balm, eastern bergamot, oswego-tea, purple beebalm, wild horsemint