Madder
Rubia tinctorum
Description: Madder is a vigorous, perennial climbing herb known for its slender, square stems, whorled green leaves, and small yellow-green star-shaped flowers. While its delicate foliage adds charm to garden spaces, Madder is most valued for its deep red roots, historically used as a natural dye for textiles. With its sprawling growth habit and adaptability, Madder thrives in wildflower meadows, dye gardens, and permaculture landscapes.
Wildlife Benefits: Madder’s flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its dense, vining growth provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally used in herbal medicine, Madder root was believed to support circulation, kidney health, and detoxification. However, modern use is primarily focused on its natural dyeing properties rather than medicinal applications.
Native Status: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, Madder thrives in warm climates and is well-suited to Georgia’s growing conditions.
Pollinator Friendliness: Though small, Madder’s summer-blooming flowers provide a nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.
Planting Guidelines:
Height: 3–5 feet (climbing or sprawling habit)
Spacing: 12–24 inches
Sun/Shade: Prefers Full Sun but Tolerates Partial Shade
How to Grow: Madder thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil and spreads through underground rhizomes. It requires a trellis or space to sprawl. Harvest roots after 2–3 years for the best dye potency. Due to its spreading habit, plant in a designated area or container to manage growth.
Grow Madder for its rich history, natural dyeing potential, and pollinator benefits—an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant with deep cultural significance.
Available in 2.5 inch pots
Rubia tinctorum
Description: Madder is a vigorous, perennial climbing herb known for its slender, square stems, whorled green leaves, and small yellow-green star-shaped flowers. While its delicate foliage adds charm to garden spaces, Madder is most valued for its deep red roots, historically used as a natural dye for textiles. With its sprawling growth habit and adaptability, Madder thrives in wildflower meadows, dye gardens, and permaculture landscapes.
Wildlife Benefits: Madder’s flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its dense, vining growth provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally used in herbal medicine, Madder root was believed to support circulation, kidney health, and detoxification. However, modern use is primarily focused on its natural dyeing properties rather than medicinal applications.
Native Status: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, Madder thrives in warm climates and is well-suited to Georgia’s growing conditions.
Pollinator Friendliness: Though small, Madder’s summer-blooming flowers provide a nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.
Planting Guidelines:
Height: 3–5 feet (climbing or sprawling habit)
Spacing: 12–24 inches
Sun/Shade: Prefers Full Sun but Tolerates Partial Shade
How to Grow: Madder thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil and spreads through underground rhizomes. It requires a trellis or space to sprawl. Harvest roots after 2–3 years for the best dye potency. Due to its spreading habit, plant in a designated area or container to manage growth.
Grow Madder for its rich history, natural dyeing potential, and pollinator benefits—an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant with deep cultural significance.
Available in 2.5 inch pots
Rubia tinctorum
Description: Madder is a vigorous, perennial climbing herb known for its slender, square stems, whorled green leaves, and small yellow-green star-shaped flowers. While its delicate foliage adds charm to garden spaces, Madder is most valued for its deep red roots, historically used as a natural dye for textiles. With its sprawling growth habit and adaptability, Madder thrives in wildflower meadows, dye gardens, and permaculture landscapes.
Wildlife Benefits: Madder’s flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its dense, vining growth provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally used in herbal medicine, Madder root was believed to support circulation, kidney health, and detoxification. However, modern use is primarily focused on its natural dyeing properties rather than medicinal applications.
Native Status: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, Madder thrives in warm climates and is well-suited to Georgia’s growing conditions.
Pollinator Friendliness: Though small, Madder’s summer-blooming flowers provide a nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.
Planting Guidelines:
Height: 3–5 feet (climbing or sprawling habit)
Spacing: 12–24 inches
Sun/Shade: Prefers Full Sun but Tolerates Partial Shade
How to Grow: Madder thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil and spreads through underground rhizomes. It requires a trellis or space to sprawl. Harvest roots after 2–3 years for the best dye potency. Due to its spreading habit, plant in a designated area or container to manage growth.
Grow Madder for its rich history, natural dyeing potential, and pollinator benefits—an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant with deep cultural significance.
Available in 2.5 inch pots