Photo of Monardella villosa 'Russian River' flower by Cistus Nursery

Photo by Cistus Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Monardella villosa 'Russian River'

Also Known As

  • Russian River Coyote Mint

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 7b-10b

More Options

Monardella villosa 'Russian River' plant details

Monardella villosa 'Russian River' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer magenta and pink flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Monardella villosa 'Russian River'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: magenta and pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: edible, fragrant, fragrant foliage, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Monardella villosa 'Russian River'

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Native to California, this form was selected by California Flora Nursery from plants found along the Russian River. A tough and vigorous, shrubby perennial, these grow to 1-2 ft tall in clumps to 2 ft wide, with rounded, minty, gray-green leaves on brittle stems. Spring to summer flowers are fragrant, lavendar-pink magnets for hummingbirds and bees. Full sun and well-drained soil are best where summer water is not provided. Said to be deer resistant AND makes a fine tea. Frost hardy in upper USDA zone 7.
This species of coyote mint comes from rocky slopes along the Russian River. Aromatic minty, grey-green evergreen foliage, with abundant 2" ball-like clusters of lavender flowers. Grows 1' to 2' tall and has a 2′ x 3′ spread. Likes sun to part shade. Cut back in winter for a compact plant. Drought tolerant – deer resistant.

Gardening facts about Monardella villosa 'Russian River' plant

How to Grow Monardella villosa 'Russian River'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • magenta
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Monardella for your garden

aka Thickleaf Monardella, White-Leaf Monardella

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 10"-24"

Width: 10"-24"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Monardella hypoleuca flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Monardella villosa ssp. globosa, Coyote Mint

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Monardella villosa form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Monardella linoides viminea, Willowy Monardella

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10a

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Monardella viminea flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Monardella odoratissima subsp. pallida flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Monardella odoratissima subsp. euodoratissima, Monardella odoratissima subsp. odoratissima, Monardella odoratissima var. neglecta, American Pennyroyal, Coyote Mint, Mountain Monardella, Mountain Pennyroyal, Western Pennyroyal

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5b-10a

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Monardella odoratissima flower, wildlife by Andesite Native Plant Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+6 more Monardella
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved