Monardella villosa 'Russian River' – Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa 'Russian River' – Coyote Mint

This delightful California native selection brings local character and a refreshing mint fragrance to the garden. Selected by California Flora Nursery from rocky slopes along the Russian River in Sonoma County, it combines aromatic gray-green foliage with long-blooming clusters of lavender to pinkish-purple flowers in spring and summer. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects gather around the blooms, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Its compact, rounded habit fits beautifully into sunny native plantings and lightly shaded borders. Drought tolerant once established and deer resistant, 'Russian River' prefers good drainage; a little summer irrigation helps maintain its attractive appearance.

Key Features:

• Evergreen perennial herb; may become partly deciduous during summer drought
• California native selection from rocky slopes along the Russian River
• Selected and introduced by California Flora Nursery
• Gray-green foliage with a strong, refreshing mint fragrance
• Lavender to pinkish-purple flower clusters in spring and summer
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Drought tolerant once established and deer resistant
• Compact, rounded habit for native gardens and pollinator plantings
• Prefers good drainage; light summer irrigation improves appearance
• Deadhead spent blooms and trim lightly in fall or winter to reduce woody growth

Growing Details:
Height: 12–18 inches | Spread: About 2 feet
Exposure: Sun to part shade; part shade preferred inland | Water: Moderate to low; drought tolerant once established
Bloom time: Spring–summer | Bloom color: Lavender to pinkish-purple
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7–10