Description
Form: Herbaceous stems growing from a woody base (subshrub).
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen but drought- and freeze-deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 12-15" (30-38cm) high and 15-18" (38-46cm) wide.
Flowers: Tiny, light purple to pink, in rounded clusters.
Bloom: Late spring into summer.
Fruit: Seed.
Leaves: Blue-green, fuzzy, oval, with a very strong, minty aroma.
Stems: Herbaceous.
Roots: Fibrous. Not invasive.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and possibly hummingbirds. The seeds attract birds. The foliage is avoided by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: California and Oregon.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8b-11. Monardella villosa is root hardy to 15°F (-9.4°C). It dies to the ground in freezes and comes back from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: Over 90°F (32°C), this plant needs all day part shade.
Drought tolerant: Over 90°F (32°C) this plant needs extra water.
Sun: This plant does best in afternoon part shade. Avoid full shade.
Planting: In regions with high temperatures, locate this plant in an area with all day part shade. In regions without freezes, place plants into the ground in the fall or late winter. These plants can be grown on a mound for better drainage.
Soil: Very well draining, dry, low in organic content, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). This plant is salt tolerant.
Water after becoming established: Deep water every 2-4 weeks, depending on temperature.
Mulch: Gravel or pine needles, which do not retain water, can be used to shield the root area from direct sun and high temperatures. Avoid water-retaining bark mulch.
Prune: Cut back by one-third in fall or winter to encourage a more rounded, bushy shape, or clean up after the last freeze of winter. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms but eliminates seed for birds.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed, rootball division. In the spring, soak seeds in fresh water for four hours, place in a plastic freezer bag with pH neutral peat, and stratify at 40°F (4.4°C) for two weeks or until the seeds start to germinate.
Uses: Butterfly garden, fragrance garden, low water (xeriscape) garden. While edible, the leaves and flower heads have a slightly bitter taste and are seldom used.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). 'Russian River' is a popular cultivar.

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