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Herbaceous Perennial

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

Other common names
madder
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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

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