Sprawling rough-leaved perennial with whorled prickly leaves and tiny yellow flowers. The roots are the historical source of red, pink, and orange textile dyes — the original Turkey red of European trade cloth.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 6–10 | −23.3 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H5 | −15 °C to −10 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 6–9 | −18 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–6 | −10 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Red dye (alizarin) extracted from the roots of three-year-old plants — harvested in autumn, dried, then ground
- Source of the legendary Turkey red dye used for European military uniforms (British redcoats, French képi cloth) until aniline dyes overtook it in the 1860s
- Roots need to mature 3 years to yield strong dye — plant for the long term
- Tolerates poor soils — the rough leaves and prickly stems will sprawl across other plants if not given dedicated space
Categories
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Cross-check Madder against your zones