Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkey Flower)
Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkey Flower) is a creeping, upright, deciduous perennial with opposite, lanceolate to oval, sharply-toothed green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), that clasp erect, square stems. Asymmetrical pale blue-violet, occasionally pink or white, 2-lipped tubular flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), bloom nearly continuously from the leaf axils over a long season extending from early to fall. They attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinating insects.
Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkey Flower) is a creeping, upright, deciduous perennial with opposite, lanceolate to oval, sharply-toothed green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), that clasp erect, square stems. Asymmetrical pale blue-violet, occasionally pink or white, 2-lipped tubular flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), bloom nearly continuously from the leaf axils over a long season extending from early to fall. They attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinating insects. Both the foliage and flowers of this plant are quite attractive. Native to North America, Allegheny Monkey Flower occurs naturally in wet meadows, swamps, stream and pond borders, floodplains, drainage ditches. It is the perfect plant for a boggy location in the garden.
- Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (3-90 cm) and 10-12 in, wide (25-30 cm). Will naturalize by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding where happy.
- Performs best in part shade in fertile, moist to wet soils. Tolerates full sun, but soils must not be allowed to dry out. Can grow in water up to 6 in. deep (15 cm).
- Great choice for water gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, wet prairies and meadows. Excellent edging plant for streams and ponds.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails, powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
- Cut back old growth at the end of the season.
- Propagate by seed.
- Native to eastern and central North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 4 – 9 |
| Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Mimulus – Monkey Flowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| Water Needs | Average, High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders, Water Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |