Scrophularia macrantha Cardinale Red

Scrophularia macrantha 'Cardinale Red' is a new variety derived from a beautifully named scrophularia across the Atlantic, 'Red Birds in a Bush'. Its small bright red-pink flowers, perched on dancing spikes, resemble the cheerfulness of a gathering of small birds. This flowering is renewed from June until the first frost, dominating a compact little bush. It is a hardy perennial plant when planted in light soil that does not retain too much water in winter. It is full of charm in summer beds or planted in a pot on a patio. It also works well in a semi-shaded rockery.

Scrophularia macrantha belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, just like snapdragons, penstemons, and foxgloves. It is a short-lived perennial herbaceous plant (living for about 4 years), native to the mountains of southern New Mexico and Arizona. It is most often found on north-facing rocky slopes or cliffs, growing among various conifers, or in canyon gorges. It is a shade-loving species in its native land, which tolerates drought once established. In a more humid climate, it will appreciate full sun and require well-drained soil.

The 'Cardinale Red' selection stands out with a more compact habit and particularly abundant and colourful flowering. The plant quickly forms a bushy clump reaching about 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in height and 40cm (16in) in width. Sturdy, hollow, square-sectioned stems emerge from the stump, which becomes woody over the season. They bear deciduous, waxy, long triangular leaves with rough edges and rounded teeth. Their colour is a fairly dark grey-green. The flowering period is very long, starting in June and not ending until October, if the soil remains somewhat moist in summer. The inflorescences are branched terminal panicles bearing small bilabiate and swollen flowers, 2 to 3cm (1in) long, resembling the body of a small parakeet. They are a bright red-pink colour with a small white lip. The flowering attracts numerous pollinators and is followed by the formation of seeds that will germinate the following spring in light soils.

This scrophularia deserves a home in the garden, in a not too arid rockery, or even under conifers in warm regions. It is a mountain plant of rather dry climates, just like microphylla shrubby sage and hybrid penstemons, which appreciate somewhat similar environments. Scrophularias are natural-looking plants, with beautiful foliage, and vibrant and long-lasting flowering. They have both an aesthetic and ecological appeal. Scrophularia 'Cardinale Red' pairs well with many perennials such as daylilies, tall sedums, heart-leaved asters, Euphorbia characias, or grasses, as well as small bushes like caryopteris, which will accompany it until late in the season.