It was grown by the Shakers in the late 1700s in their settlement near Oswego County in New York. Today, bergamot is also known as scarlet bee balm. The tuberous root produces an erect, slightly hairy square stem with a citruslike fragrance. The dark green leaves are 3 to 6 inches long, opposite, and ovate with serrated margins. The fruit is comprised of four nutlets resembling seeds.
Snails can be a problem in shady, moist locations where roots are kept cool and moist.
Cultivation When the plant begins to shoot up in the spring, a dressing of well-decayed humus can be applied. Sprinkle grass clippings over the root area during the hottest part of summer. If necessary, lightly tie the slender and sometimes brittle stems with garden stakes. Bergamot can be grown in clumps or masses for a nice effect as a background plant. Planting 18 inches apart would allow plenty of room.