Madder

(Rubia tinctorum) – A perennial low-climbing plant native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe, madder features evergreen leaves arranged in whorls around its stems, which can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. In summer, it produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers, followed by red to black berries. Historically significant as a source of red dye, madder is a valuable addition to dye gardens and offers ornamental appeal.

Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sun
Water: Prefers well-drained, sandy to loamy soil; drought-tolerant once established
Transplanting: Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, spacing plants 1 foot apart. Madder can spread via runners; consider using buried containers or dedicated beds to manage growth.

Options available: Plugs or 2.5-inch plantable pots available

Note: Harvest roots after at least three years for optimal dye quality. The roots yield a rich red pigment historically used in textiles and art.