About
Rubia tinctorum, madder, is an evergreen perennial with long, dark-green, spreading stems and small, star-shaped, yellow flowers in July and August, followed by green berries turning red then black. The roots are the commercial source of the red dye madder, still cultivated in parts of Europe as a medicinal and textile dye plant.
About the genus
Rubia, the madders, are perennial scrambling or climbing herbs and subshrubs with whorled, green leaves and small, yellow flowers, native to Africa, Europe and Asia. The roots of R. tinctorum are the source of the red dye madder.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toSE Europ to C Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningCut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed (may be slow to germinate) or by division at any time during the growing season
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free