Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus) vs Wild Bergamot - TreeTime.ca

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus) vs Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Hibiscus moscheutos

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Wild Bergamot
Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus)

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.

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus) has large white-pink showy flowers which attract hummingbirds and pollinators to your yard. It is a tall, fast growing perennial shrub. The flowers typically only last 1-2 days, but the plant will continue to rebloom throughout the season.

This hibiscus tolerates heat and humidity but does not do well when exposed to wind. Make sure the plant has access to lots of moisture for better flowering.

The Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus) is also known as the dinner plate hibiscus because it can grow incredibly large flowers, as big as dinner plates.

Wild Bergamot Quick Facts

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus) Quick Facts

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


Flowers: lavendar purple; tubular
Flowers: pink-red
Bloom time: mid summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC
Native to: ON
Other Names: bee balm, eastern bergamot, oswego-tea, purple beebalm, wild horsemint
Other Names: crimson-eyed rose-mallow, dinner plate hibiscus, eastern rosemallow, hardy hibiscus, marsh mallow, marshmallow hibiscus, sea hollyhock, swamp mallow, swamp rose hibiscus