Scarlet Monardella 'Marian Sampson' is a compact, spreading herbaceous perennial from the chaparral regions of southern California and northern Baja California, grown for its showy scarlet flowers and fragrant foliage that hummingbirds and butterflies can't resist. This cultivar reaches just 3 to 4 inches tall but spreads 12 to 18 inches, making it exceptional as a groundcover or front-of-border plant. Hardy from Zones 6b through 10, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate water once established, and it's notably more resistant to mint rust than the species type. The evergreen, lance-shaped leaves emit a pleasant minty aroma when brushed, and the tubular scarlet flowers bloom prolifically from May through August.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-10
4in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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This is hummingbird mint for gardeners who want drama in a diminutive package. The low, spreading habit packed with fragrant blooms from spring into late summer creates a long season of color and pollinator activity without demanding fussy care. 'Marian Sampson' specifically improves on the species by resisting mint rust, a common problem that plagues many monardella varieties, so you get reliability alongside the ornamental intensity. In chaparral-inspired gardens or as a tapestry element in xeriscaping, this cultivar performs with quiet confidence, asking only for decent drainage and sunshine.
This is primarily an ornamental herb grown for its vibrant flowers and fragrant foliage rather than culinary harvest. The scarlet blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the growing season, making it valuable in pollinator gardens and wildlife corridors. The plant's compact, spreading nature and low maintenance requirements also make it well-suited for rock gardens, containers, and as a colorful groundcover in water-wise landscape designs.
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