Carried by 7 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
Monardella macrantha is a species of flowering plant in the Laminaceae (Mint) family known by the common name Red Monardella. It is native to coastal mountain ranges of southern California and Baja California, at elevations from 2,000 ft. to over 7,500 ft. It grows in several habitat types, including chaparral, woodland, and forest. It is a perennial herb forming a low tuft of slender stems lined with thick, shiny green leaves up to 3 centimeters long. The flower cluster is a head of several tubular flowers blooming in a cup of red-tinged green leaves up to 4 centimeters wide. The clustered flowers are bright red to yellowish in color, sometimes exceeding 4 centimeters in length with narrow lobed mouths. It has a reputation for being somewhat difficult to get established and short-lived, but the showy flowers and fragrance make it worth the effort.
Perennial herb
2 - 12 in Tall
2 ft Wide
Moderate
Evergreen
Pleasant
Red
Summer, Fall
Containers, Deer resistant, Lawn alternative
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Low, Moderate
Max 1x / month once established
Moderate
Tolerates cold to 15° F
Medium
Tolerates a variety of soils.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 7.0
For propagating by seed: No treatment.
Chaparral and woodlands of southern California mountains
Chaparral, Yellow Pine Forest
Use in the understory of various southern California trees and shrubs including Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), Pines (Pinus spp.), Oaks (Quercus spp.), along with other perennial herbs such as Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Yarrow (Achillea millfolium), Mule Ears (Wyethia ovata), and native grasses.
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 5 likely
Oso Flaco Flightless Moth
Areniscythris brachypteris
Orange Tortrix Moth
Argyrotaenia franciscana