Monardella macrantha
Family: Lamiaceae
Common names: HUMMINGBIRD MINT, RED MONARDELLA
Native to: Baja California, California
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: prostrate, spreading
Max height: 1 foot
Max width: 1 foot
Flower
orange, red, yellow
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Exposure: sun
Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant
Propagates by: seed
flowers in summer
Soil types: gravelly or rocky, well drained
USDA Zone: zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: +20 to +30 °F
Water: drought tolerant, moist
Butterflies that feed on this plant
There are 54 species of Monardella, a Lamiaceae. Three Monardella are perennials, each with its own common name. They grow in Zones 9-10. Many Monardella are wildflowers and some are consumed as tea. A few that grow 1 2 feet tall are cultivated – including Monardella macrantha, odoratissima, and villosa. Some are drought tolerant. Monardella grow from seed, division, or cutting, and is summer flowering.
Monardella attracts
Papilio eurymedon, Pale Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus, Western Tiger Swallowtail
Vanessa virginiensis, American Lady
Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial
This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.
Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.
Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.
By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.
