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Rubia spp.
madder
Overview
Rubia spp. is a genus of about eighty species of scrambling perennial herbs and subshrubs in the bedstraw family (Rubiaceae), spread across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Plants produce long, weak, four-angled stems 2-10 ft (0.6-3 m) long that climb and sprawl over other vegetation, held in place by tiny downward-hooked prickles on the stems and leaf margins. The narrow to oval leaves are 0.4-3 in (1-8 cm) long and arranged in whorls of four to eight around the stem. Small star-shaped flowers, 0.1-0.2 in (3-5 mm) across in pale yellow to greenish tones, appear in branched clusters in summer, followed by small fleshy berries that ripen red to black. The thick red roots of R. tinctorum are the historical source of the dye madder. Species grow in hedgerows, scrub, rocky ground, and disturbed sites, tolerating poor soil and drought, though the scrambling stems can overrun nearby plants. Several species spread by both seed and creeping roots.
Native Range
Rubia spp. is native across Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and temperate to tropical Asia. Species grow in hedgerows, thickets, rocky slopes, woodland margins, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in dye, herb, and wildlife gardens, and allowed to scramble through hedges and rough areas. R. tinctorum is cultivated for its dye roots, and the berries draw birds in autumn.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs through summer, roughly June to August, with small pale yellow to greenish flowers in loose branched clusters. The display is subtle, and fleshy red to black berries follow into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale yellow to greenishFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Rubia spp. grows in full sun to part shade on a wide range of soils, from sandy and rocky to loamy ground, and tolerates dry, lean conditions once established. A soil pH near 6.0-7.5 is suitable. The scrambling stems need neighbouring plants or a support to climb over, and without them the growth forms a loose, sprawling mat. Plants spread by seed and creeping roots and can become weedy in mild climates. Few pests or diseases are troublesome. Cutting stems back in late autumn or winter contains the spread.Pruning
Cut stems back hard in late autumn or winter to limit spread and clear old growth, as plants regrow from the root each season. Unwanted runners and seedlings are removed to keep colonies in bounds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallwinter