High Country Gardens
Marian Sampson Scarlet Monardella
Best drought-tolerant choice for gardeners looking to attract local pollinators.
Discover the Marian Sampson Scarlet Monardella, a vibrant, low-growing California native wildflower. This perennial boasts striking clusters of red, tubular flowers that bloom in late spring, set against a backdrop of dark green, shiny leaves. While noted as a short-lived perennial, it offers exceptional beauty and exotic appeal. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires infrequent watering once established, making it drought-tolerant. Ideal for rock gardens or containers, it's a magnet for hummingbirds and serves as a host plant for butterflies. This award-winning variety is recognized by Plant Select® for its outstanding qualities.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Landscape designers seeking high-impact, long-lasting summer color
- Suburban homeowners dealing with frequent deer and rabbit browsing
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local pollinator populations
Who should skip it
- Minimalist gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, non-spreading perennials
- Gardeners in humid climates without space for proper air circulation
- Busy homeowners unable to provide regular, consistent supplemental watering
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A high-impact magnet for hummingbirds and essential butterfly species.
Drought Resilience
Thrives with minimal water once established in well-drained soil.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that demands very little from the gardener.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on your foliage.
Versatility
Perfectly suited for rock gardens, containers, or small landscape gaps.
Longevity
Short-lived nature requires occasional replanting to maintain garden coverage.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Needs
Low
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Spring
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
3-4 inches
Mature Spread
6-8 inches
Deer Resistant
True
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Native to North America (California)
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Suitable for containers and rock gardens
- Easy to grow
- Award-winning Plant Select® variety
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Marian Sampson Scarlet Monardella upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the plants were robust, well rooted, and ready for immediate planting, leading to high establishment rates. The primary theme is reliability; once planted, this variety performs beautifully, delivering the promised vibrant scarlet blooms that attract pollinators. While some mention the initial cost, the vigorous growth and stunning display confirm its strong value proposition for gardeners seeking dependable, high impact color.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is generally avoided by deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
It means the plant typically lives for a few years rather than indefinitely. You may want to allow it to self-seed or plan to replace it after a few seasons to maintain a consistent display.
It is excellent for containers, provided you use a well-draining potting mix. Because it stays quite small, it works beautifully in troughs or rock garden-style pots.
Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and prefers to stay on the drier side. Only water when the soil has dried out completely, as it dislikes sitting in wet or soggy conditions.
No, it actually prefers low-fertility soil. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of its signature red flowers.
Yes, it features evergreen foliage that provides a dark green, mounding backdrop even after the spring bloom season has passed.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$15