Family: Madder (Rubiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 5 to 9

Climbing evergreen perennial native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe. The plant is a classic element of the Medieval garden, completely unique, wending its way along the ground or draping on fence or trellis.  The yellow, star-like flowers are produced in the second year after which the roots may be dug.  Madder root contains the anthraquinone pigment alizarin, which is responsible for its popularity as a fine red dyeplant.  (The English “red coats” owed their visability to this plant!)  Traditional usage (TWM): urinary gravel, dropsy, amenorrhoea and jaundice.  Plant prefers very fast draining soil and full sun.  It is very drought tolerant and will thrive for weeks in a sunny, well-drained bed without any water at all.  Sow seed in fall or spring.  Sow 1/2 inch deep and tamp securely, then keep evenly moist and in the sun until germination, which may take up to 3 weeks.  The seeds may be sown in pots (3 per pot, thin to the best seedling) or direct seeded at 3 inches apart, then transplant or thin to 1 foot apart.  The plant will appreciate a trellis, mainly because this will give you, the gardener, space to cultivate around the plants, which stimulates them.

10 seeds per packet
5 g contains ~ 300 seeds
10 g contains ~ 600 seeds

Certified Organically Grown