Monardella villosa ‘Russian River’, Russian River Coyote Mint
Out of stock
A local selection of coyote mint from a rocky slope along the lower Russian River. While other Monardella have proven a bit difficult to grow, this one has proven to be a great native plant for the dry perennial meadow or rock garden, as a small-scale ground cover along a dry path, cascading down a slope or growing over a retaining wall.
It is a compact native evergreen sub-shrub that grows 1–2 feet tall by 2–3 feet wide with small aromatic dark mint green leaves that are slightly hairy. A nice minty scent is released when the foliage is brushed against. From late spring through late summer it produces a floral display of 1 to 2 inch heads of round flowers in a rich lavender color. Plant in sun or shade in coastal regions and part shade inland. Well-drained soil is required if regularly irrigated but it is tolerant of heavier clay soils if not over irrigated. It looks a bit nicer and blooms longer if given some summer water. The flowers attract both bees and butterflies. Deer resistant.