Monardella Purpurea

Description

Monardella Purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coyote Mint, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to California, Oregon, and Nevada in the United States. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The leaves are small, about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide, and are fragrant when crushed. The flowers are tubular and range in color from pink to purple. They bloom from May to September, attracting bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Monardella Purpurea has a bushy growth habit with square stems that are slightly woody at the base. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and lighter green on the lower surface. The plant produces flowers in clusters at the tips of the stems. The flowers are tubular and have a slightly curved shape. They are about 0.5 inch long and are surrounded by a ring of bracts. The flowers are pink or purple in color and have a minty fragrance.

Care Guide

Monardella Purpurea is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering to once every two weeks during the dormant season.

Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.

Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline.

Sunlight: Monardella Purpurea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but may produce fewer flowers.

Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Monardella Purpurea is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

Habitat

Monardella Purpurea is native to the western United States, where it grows in dry, rocky habitats such as chaparral and sagebrush. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. The plant is adapted to drought and can survive in areas with low rainfall.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Monardella Purpurea deer resistant?

A: Yes, Monardella Purpurea is deer resistant.

Q: Can Monardella Purpurea be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Monardella Purpurea can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: Can Monardella Purpurea be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Monardella Purpurea can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the summer.

Q: Can Monardella Purpurea be grown from seed?

A: Yes, Monardella Purpurea can be grown from seed, but the germination rate can be low.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Monardella Purpurea:

• Monardella Macrantha
• Monardella Odoratissima
• Monardella Lanceolata
• Monardella Villosa

References

• “Monardella Purpurea.” Las Pilitas Nursery.
• “Monardella Purpurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
• “Monardella Purpurea.” Calflora.
• “Purple Coyote Mint (Monardella Purpurea).” Gardenista.