(Sweet leaf bergamot) Herbaceous perennial native to western North America, the original accession from Pine Ridge in South Dakota. With showy flowers of lavender to rose and leaves both pungent and minty, this wild native plant, hardy in the face of severe frost, drought or flood, accommodates well to the domestic garden and brings long-lasting joy. Fantastic fresh cut flower and tasty tea herb. Sow by sprinkling seed in pots or on surface of a prepared seed bed, working in shallowly with fingers, and tamping well. Keep evenly moist until germination, which takes 1 to 3 weeks. Thin or transplant to 1 foot apart.
