Rubia tinctorum
madder
An evergreen perennial with long, dark green spreading stems and small, star-shaped yellow flowers appearing in July and August, followed by green berries which turn red then finally black. The roots are a source of red dye and the plant is still cultivated in parts of Europe for use as a medicinal dye
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green Red Black | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
A genus of around 80 perennial scrambling or climbing herbs and subshrubs native to Africa, Europe and Asia with green foliage and small, yellow flowers. The plant roots were originally used for producing red dye known as 'madder'
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Europe, Turkey, Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained sandy soil in full sun, although will tolerate partial shade. Produces many side shoots which can travel just under the surface of the soil before sending up new shoots so has the potential to become a nuisance
Propagation
Propagate by seed (may be slow to germinate) or by division at any time during the growing season
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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