How to prune wild bergamot

Deadhead throughout summer; cut back to ground in autumn after frost, or early spring. Remove spent flower heads by cutting stems back to a lateral bud or basal leaf. After frost, cut all stems to within 2–3 inches of the ground. In spring, divide overcrowded clumps by lifting and splitting; replant outer healthy sections.

Deadhead regularly; annual cutback; divide every 2–3 years. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) benefits from deadheading to extend bloom and a hard cutback in autumn or early spring. It also spreads by rhizome — dividing congested clumps every 2–3 years keeps it healthy and prevents powdery mildew, which is worse in crowded plants. Pruning also improves air circulation.

Remove spent flower heads by cutting stems back to a lateral bud or basal leaf. After frost, cut all stems to within 2–3 inches of the ground. In spring, divide overcrowded clumps by lifting and splitting; replant outer healthy sections.