Phantom Hydrangea vs Wild Bergamot - TreeTime.ca

Phantom Hydrangea vs Wild Bergamot

Hydrangea paniculata Phantom

Monarda fistulosa

ONLY AVAILABLE BY CONTRACT GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Phantom Hydrangea
Wild Bergamot

Phantom Hydrangea is a striking deciduous shrub with impressive blooms. It is multi-stemmed and produces pale green flowers that fade to white and soft pink as they mature. These flower clusters can reach up to 15” (40cm) long and while other shrubs will droop from the flowers' weight, Phantom Hydrangea has sturdy stems that support them.

This adaptable shrub will make a beautiful addition to your yard as a flowering hedge or as an ornamental plant on its own. Try pruning the flowers after they are spent to get even larger flower heads.

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.

Phantom Hydrangea Quick Facts

Wild Bergamot Quick Facts

Zone: 3b
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: large white flower clusters
Flowers: lavendar purple; tubular
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




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