Monkey Flower

Wed, 08/05/2009 - 2:26pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Vera Kark, PADG

Botanical Name:

Mimulus

Pronunciation:

(MIM-yew-lus)

Common Name:

Monkey Flower

Plant Type:

Perennial

Mature Size:

2 1/2 ft. tall and wide

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun, shade

Flower Color :

White, cream, yellow, orange, copper, salmon, red, maroon

Wildlife:

Attracts hummingbirds

A shrubby California native with colorful flowers, Mimulus has been hybridized heavily in order to produce many different colors. In the wild, differerent species of Mimulus can be found from southern Oregon to southern California.

Happy in sun or part shade, these plants prefer good drainage. With supplemental water, you can expect some repeat bloom all summer. Mimulus is a favorite in native plant gardens because of its color range.

When new foliage appears at its base, the plant is ready to be pruned back to the new green growth. This hard pruning will rejuvenate the plant. If there is no growth at the base, then gently pinch the tips to encourage new growth.

Some Master Gardeners have found this plant to be short-lived; other Master Gardeners have Mimulus plants in their personal gardens that are over five years old and doing just fine. These plants are easy to propagate from cuttings and seeds.