Monardella
( mon - ar - DELL - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering perennial subshrubs includes species which need full sun and little water, making them a great choice for water-wise and drought-tolerant gardens. These plants are aromatic and native to California, known commonly as Wildmints, Coyote Mints, or simply Monardellas. They are relatives of Mint, and take a sprawling habit, with flowers clustered at the tips of stems. All varieties require very fast drainage and are great in wild gardens and amongst rocks. Grow these flowers in native, pollinator, informal, or drought-tolerant landscapes in mixed beds and borders. They can also be grown in containers, if desired.
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Monardella Species and Varietals
The genus Monardella is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae and includes about 40 distinct species. Plants in this genus are related to those in Monarda (Bee Balm), Mentha (Mint), Origanum (Oregano and Marjoram), and Satureja (Savory). Growing zones vary for Monardella depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below.
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Monardella beneolens (Sweet-Smelling Monardella, Owens Peak Mountainbalm) This critically imperiled species is endemic to California, where it grows in the southern Sierra Nevadas in mountain forests and alpine meadows and fields. These plants are hairy, and form a mat of green foliage from which thin stems emerge, topped with pink to lavender colored blooms inside of pinkish to pale green bracts. Individual plants reach up to between 4 and 12 inches tall when mature and in bloom. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5-7. |
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Monardella breweri (Brewer's Monardella, Mustang Mint) This species forms branching, erect hairy stems to 26 inches tall. Leaves are opposite, and pink flowers form in heads and have stiff purplish bracts. Foliage is green. Mustang Mint grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and Sunset climate zones 7-9 and 14-24. |
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Monardella douglasii (Douglas' Monardella, Douglas' Mountain Balm) This species is endemic to northern California, where it can be found in many habitats around the San Francisco Bay Area. These hairy annuals produce purple-pink flowers and greenish-grey foliage. Individual plants reach up to about a foot tall when mature and in bloom. Douglas' Mondardella is suited for USDA hardiness zones 8b-9b. |
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Monardella exilis (Mojave Monardella, Desert Monardella) This species is native to California's Mojave Desert and southern Sierra Nevadas. It is an annual herbaceous plant, reaching up to a foot tall when mature and in bloom. Flowers are typically white, sometimes spotted with purple tinges. Bloom time is between April and September. Mojave Monardella is suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-10. |
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Monardella follettii (Follett's Monardella, Serpentine Mountain Balm) This species is native to California's Lassen National Forest. They are perennial herbaceous plants which form an erect purplish stem holding a head of several pink flowers within hairy bracts. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7b-8a. |
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Monardella hypoleuca (Thickleaf Monardella, White Leaf Monardella) These flowers are endemic to Southern California, and produces erect purple stems. Flowers are white, and leaves are green. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11. |
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Monardella linoides (Flaxleaf Monardella) These plants reach about 20 inches tall and produce greyish-green foliage. Leaves are coated in hairs. Flowers are purple, and bracts are pale pink to whitish. Flaxleaf Monardella grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6a-9a. |
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Monardella macrantha (Red Monardella, Hummingbird Monardella, Scarlet Monardella) This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 7-9 and 14-24, producing a 6-inch tall, 1 foot wide clump of shiny dark green leaves and bright red flowers in late spring and summertime. Variety 'Marian Sampson' is a disease-resistant cultivar. |
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Monardella nana (Yellow Mondardella, Little Coyote Mint, Dwarf Monardella, Little Monardella, Desert Monardella, San Felipe Monardella) These low-growing plants form a tuft or mat of slender stems and ovular green leaves. Stems and foliage are hairless. Flowers are pink to white in color, and are surrounded by pinkish-white bracts. These plants reach up to about a foot tall when mature, and can spread to about as wide. Little Coyote Mint grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7b-9a. |
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Monardella odoratissima (Mountain Coyote Mint, Mountain Beebalm, Mountain Monardella, Mountain Pennyroyal) This species of Monardella grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5b-10a or Sunset growing zones 1-3, 7-10 and 14-24. This plant has a sprawling, bushy habit and a woody base, reaching between 4 inches and 2 feet tall and spreads as wide as it is tall. Leaves are grey-green and have hairs, and flowers are purple and bloom in summer and fall. This variety's leaves can be used to make tea. |
Caring for Monardella
Monarda are frequently grown from seeds, or can be purchased sometimes from specialized nurseries. They do well in a space in the garden that receives full sun. They need at least 6-8 hours of sun each day to flower and perform well, and tend to become a bit leggy and not flower well if they do not get adequate sunlight. Make sure when installing these plants that spacing is considered; powdery mildew can become a hassle if plants do not have enough airflow. Recommended spacing depends on the cultivar grown and its mature width; read planting instructions before installing. They appreciate soil that is well-draining, rich in nutrients and organic matter, and that has a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, put down a thick layer of organic mulching material to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants are considered to be drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for most of the year. Supply supplemental waterings during the warmest months of the year and during extended periods of drought. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Monardella needs periodic pruning throughout the growing season to form and grow well. Prune in springtime after growth begins, giving the plant a light haircut to encourage a bushy form. Alternatively, stem tips can be pinched to get the same results. Prune off spent flowering heads if you do not want plants reseeding, however the seeds provide a good food source for local wildlife if left on plants. All stems can be cut back to ground level at the end of the growing season. Monardella plants can be annual or perennial. Annuals are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next. Perennial species can survive for about 4 years in the garden before fading and needing to be replaced.
Harvesting Mondardella
Species of Monardella are harvested for their leaves and flowers to make tea, as well as for their flowering stems, which are used in fresh flower arranging. The most popular species cultivated for tea is Monardella orodratissima, or Coyote Mint. Monardella tea has a unique taste reminiscent of mint, marjoram and oregano, with floral undertones and can be brewed and served hot or cold. Leaves and flowers are both used to make Monardella tea, harvested at the time the plants are at their peak growth rate (summertime). The best time for harvesting is in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the essential oils in plants are at their peak.
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves close to their attachment to the stem, harvesting from multiple plants if possible to avoid weakening plant health. Flower heads can be removed when they are in full bloom and have not begun wilting yet. Shake off any dirt or insects from harvested plant parts before bringing them indoors for processing. Bundle leaves and flowers and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry place. They can also be left to dry on racks. It typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the drying process to be completed. Once leaves and flowers are fully dried, they can be stored in jars or other containers that have tight lids. Place these containers away from direct sunlight to preserve contents. Properly dried Monardella can last for several months without losing much flavor or potency. Leaves can also be used to create garnishes and sauces like chimichurri.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants are considered to be drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for most of the year. Supply supplemental waterings during the warmest months of the year and during extended periods of drought. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Monardella needs periodic pruning throughout the growing season to form and grow well. Prune in springtime after growth begins, giving the plant a light haircut to encourage a bushy form. Alternatively, stem tips can be pinched to get the same results. Prune off spent flowering heads if you do not want plants reseeding, however the seeds provide a good food source for local wildlife if left on plants. All stems can be cut back to ground level at the end of the growing season. Monardella plants can be annual or perennial. Annuals are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next. Perennial species can survive for about 4 years in the garden before fading and needing to be replaced.
Harvesting Mondardella
Species of Monardella are harvested for their leaves and flowers to make tea, as well as for their flowering stems, which are used in fresh flower arranging. The most popular species cultivated for tea is Monardella orodratissima, or Coyote Mint. Monardella tea has a unique taste reminiscent of mint, marjoram and oregano, with floral undertones and can be brewed and served hot or cold. Leaves and flowers are both used to make Monardella tea, harvested at the time the plants are at their peak growth rate (summertime). The best time for harvesting is in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the essential oils in plants are at their peak.
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves close to their attachment to the stem, harvesting from multiple plants if possible to avoid weakening plant health. Flower heads can be removed when they are in full bloom and have not begun wilting yet. Shake off any dirt or insects from harvested plant parts before bringing them indoors for processing. Bundle leaves and flowers and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry place. They can also be left to dry on racks. It typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the drying process to be completed. Once leaves and flowers are fully dried, they can be stored in jars or other containers that have tight lids. Place these containers away from direct sunlight to preserve contents. Properly dried Monardella can last for several months without losing much flavor or potency. Leaves can also be used to create garnishes and sauces like chimichurri.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Monardella, or Coyote Mint, can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Coyote Mint, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Monardella by Cutting
Propagating Monaradella by Seed
Propagating Monardella by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Monaradella by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed heads are easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded and are brown and dry. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to release the seeds. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
- For Monardella seeds to germinate, they will need to undergo a process called 'cold-stratification', which mimics the conditions seeds would experience in their native environment. To complete this treatment, place seeds in a sealable bag or other container filled with moistened sand or peat moss, and then place that container in the refrigerator or a similarly cool environment. Leave the container there for between 3 and 4 weeks' time, and then remove seeds and get ready to sow them.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Problems and Pests
Monardella plants have no serious pest or disease issues, but can sometimes have problems with:
- Whiteflies
- Rust
Gallery
This pathway is framed with Monardella, various succulents in pots, Phormium, Salvia, Penstemon, and Poppy.
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Monardella is accented with the pom-pom pink blooms of Sea Thrift in this bed.
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Red-toned Hen and Chicks succulents is brought out by the bright red blooms of Monardella macrantha in this rock garden.
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Monardella does well when grown in rocky soils and can be grown in containers.
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This drought tolerant landscape heavily features Monardella as a pollinator plant.
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Individual inflorescences are made up of many individual tubular blossoms.
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Bees love Monardella flowers.
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Monardella macrantha is a popular container rock garden plant.
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Monardella plants can have pink, red, purple or white flowers.
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Videos
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How to care for Monardella macrantha.
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Check out these drought-tolerant ornamentals.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 445, Monardella
