MONARDELLA. Coyote mint. A group of annuals, perennials and subshrubs well represented in California. The following are two woody based perennials of quite different habit. Both have paired, broadly oval aromatic leaves and bear dense heads of tubular blossoms at the shoot tips, mostly in summer. Sun, well drained soils, occasional watering when established. Both should be hardy to around 10^oF.

macrantha ‘Marian Sampson’. Scarlet monardella. This species forms low mats with dark green, shiny leaves. In late spring and summer its heads of large scarlet, tubular flowers nestle among the leaves. From Ed Sampson at Mourning Cloak Ranch we received the most striking form I have seen to date. We named it in honor of his late wife, Marian. It forms tight mats of small, dark leaves, with brilliant red flowers. Well suited for rock garden and container use.

villosa. In its typical form, this is a bushy perennial usually 1-2' tall, with furry, grey green leaves and heads of pink to lavender blossoms. We are growing small quantities of this form as well as material of the subspecies subglabra, distinguished by bright green leaves and stems. This particular selection, received from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, is also unusually floriferous and large flowered. Tough perennials quite at home on exposed, dry banks and other neglected spots.