A shrub with dark ovate leaves with toothed margins. Bears beautiful pink-red flowers in summer. Attracts bees and is therefore a great companion to other insect pollinated herbs. Grow in compost rich soil and water well. Prune in late autumn. Semi-dormant in winter. Shrub. H:80cm W:80cm 12cm, 17cm

Growth Characteristics:
•Perennial, Deciduous, Frost hardy,
•Bright red, claw-shaped flowers, with red-green bracts, are produced in terminal whorls in summer,
•Bergamot is semi-dormant during winter and new growth shoot up during Spring.

Height:
•± 1 m; Spread: ± 1 m.

Cultivation:
•Full sun; Well drained, composted soil.

Harvesting:
•Pick fresh leaves throughout the year.
•For the best taste, harvest the leaves just before flowering.
•Leaves can be dried, but flowers are best when used fresh.

Companion Planting:
•The colourful flowers attract bees and butterflies, and is therefore a good companion for plants that need insect pollination. Bergamot is also known as Bee Balm.

•Use Bergamot leaves and flowers with:
•Summer fruit drinks or punches,
•Gives the "Earl Grey" taste to tea,
•Flower Petals in Salads, Fruit Salads, Jams, Jellies, Milk,
•Stuffings, Pork,
•Use fresh or dried flowers in flower arrangements.

Bergamot may be beneficial in the following cases:

Nervous system
•Headaches, Insomnia.

Respiratory system
•Steam inhalation for bronchial catarrh and sore throats.

Digestive system
•Flatulence, Stomach cramps, Intestinal colic, Weak digestion, Nausea.

Reproductive system
•Painful menstruation.

Preperation & Dosage:
• Drink a cup of tea as necessary.