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Madder (Rubia tinctorum) potted plant, organic
$8.50 – $21.95
Family: Madder (Rubiaceae)
Hardy to Zones 6 to 10.
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 dye plant. (The English “red coats” owed their visibility to this plant!) Traditional usage: TWM, treatment of urinary stone. Plant prefers regular garden soil and full sun.
Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown
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Question
Jeani Schwenk –
I live just north of Seattle. Will madder root grow well in this area? If I buy it now and plant immediately, will it survive over the winter? I want to grow the roots for dyeing. Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jeani, Madder is vigorous and easy to grow in Seattle. Checking my outdoor madder beds and seeing how vigorous they still are, I think you can plant the starts now or in the spring. This is a plant that wants full sun and a fast-draining soil. Richo
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nicki –
what are my chances of growing madder in southern Maine ?
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Richo Cech –
hi nicki, Thanks for getting in touch. Madder is easy to germinate and grow and southern maine is within the zone designated for madder, so you should be fine. richo
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Question
Ash –
My friend brought to my attention that Madder is an invasive plant, I am worried to plant this on my property. I guess this is more a comment but feel this should be noted on the packet.
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Richo Cech –
Hello Ash,
OK, I understand your feelings about this, and I think your original motivation to grow the plant was the right one. Any good gardener can keep madder in check and every dyer I know wishes they had more of it. Richo
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judith mcdonald –
How much water? humidity? Pretty dry here Yakima in summer north of you 1200′ Would it need to be on irrigation or just get a few soakings? Trying to naturalize plants as much as possible. Great drainage yet the water table is high if the roots can get there
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Richo Cech –
Hello Judith,
Interesting that you should mention this now as we are revamping our madder bed this morning, adding nutrients along with lots of sand and pumice because it really likes a dry site. Once it gets established you should be able to get by with a couple of waterings in a summer, or depend on rainfall if that is available. Richo
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