Mimulus aurantiacus (Bush Monkey Flower)
A colorful southern Oregon, California and Baja California native, award-winning Mimulus aurantiacus (Bush Monkey Flower) is a bushy evergreen shrub with narrow, lanceolate, dark-green leaves typically 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm) on very sticky stems, and flowering stems that grow vertically. Trumpet-shaped, the exuberant flowers, 1.2 in long (3 cm), are tubular at the base with five broad lobes.
A colorful southern Oregon, California, and Baja California native, award-winning Mimulus aurantiacus (Bush Monkey Flower) is a bushy evergreen shrub with narrow, lanceolate, dark-green leaves typically 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm) on very sticky stems and flowering stems that grow vertically. Trumpet-shaped, the exuberant flowers, 1.2 in long (3 cm), are tubular at the base with five broad lobes. They bloom profusely over a long season extending from spring through summer. They occur in a variety of shades including salmon-orange, yellow or orange-red. They are pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. Bush Monkey Flower is an ideal garden companion adding a touch of exoticism and a Mediterranean feel.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm).
- Best in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils. Tolerant of difficult soils if adequate drainage is provided. Drought tolerant once established.
- A great choice for beds and borders, rock gardens. Lovely on a stone wall for a cascading effect.
- Deer resistant.
- Deadhead to increase flower production. Pinch back new growth in spring to maintain a more compact form.
- Propagate from seed or cuttings
- Native to southern Oregon, California, and Baja California.
- Mimulus owe their common name to the shape and colors of their flowers that suggest "mime" (Latin "mimus") a monkey's face.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 7 – 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 7 – 11 |
| Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Mimulus – Monkey Flowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' (90cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ (90cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |