Rubia tinctorum (Dyer's madder)

Cultivation

Plant in fertile, well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. Tolerates partial shade and drought. May be invasive as it spreads via side shoots that grow under the soil surface prior to sending up shoots above ground. The roots contain a pigment called alizarin which makes a red dye. This species is closely related to Rubia peregrina. A food plant for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the hummingbird hawk moth.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Wildflower, Coastal, Wildlife

UK hardiness

H6

USDA zones

Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Climbing, Trailing, Upright

Native to

Western Asia, Central Asia, Southern Asia, Vietnam

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic