Bergamot

Whorls of pale pink flowers surrounded by striking, purple pink bracts from July to September and aromatic, purplish green leaves. This pale pink bergamot is an ideal, long flowering plant for the middle of a sunny, mixed or herbaceous border. One of the oldest and most popular varieties it does best in a soil that retains moisture over summer.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: July to SeptemberFlower colour: pale pinkOther features: fresh or dried leaves make a delicious teaHardiness: fully hardy Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early April and apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around each plant. Resist cutting bergamot back in autumn since the stiff, vertical stems look good all winter. These plants are very susceptible to powdery mildew, and while this rarely causes long term damage it can look unsightly towards the end of the summer. You can help reduce this by applying a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around each plant in spring and autumn
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