Mimulus

Monkey flower
Scrophulariaceae
Perennials

This is a wide-ranging group of plants with different needs. All have funnel-shaped, two-lipped flowers said to resemble a grinning monkey face—hence the common name.

Mimulus aurantiacus

Native to southern Oregon, California, Baja California. Grows 4 1/2 ft. tall and wide, with narrow, 1 1/2-in.-long, sticky dark green leaves. Buff-toned orange, 1 3/4-in. flowers bloom over a long spring-and-summer season. All subspecies thrive in full sun or partial shade, with little water.

More important than the subspecies themselves are the showy hybrids derived from them (often called Verity hybrids, after their originator). These plants grow 1 to 4 ft. tall and wide, with narrow, glossy dark green leaves that are sometimes sticky. Flowers are 1 to 3 in. long, in colors ranging from white and cream to yellow, orange, copper, salmon, red, and maroon.

Plant in full sun or light shade; give good drainage. Prune in spring before growth starts. Pruned again after first flowering, they often rebloom in fall—and, if given moderate water with good drainage, they may flower repeatedly throughout the year. Because plants are not long lived, take cuttings of your favorites; they root easily in moist sand.

Mimulus cardinalis

Native to dampor wet locales throughout muchof the West. Grows to 2 1/2 ft.high and wide, with upright orsprawling stems and brightgreen, sticky leaves. Tubular,scarlet, 1 1/2–2-in.-long flowersbloom throughout summer.Give full shade in Zones 12 and13, sun or shade elsewhere.Ample water.

Mimulus hybridus

To 1 ft. high and wide, with smooth, succulent leaves. Flowers are 2 to 2 1/2 in. across, in colors including cream, rose, orange, yellow, scarlet, and brown, usually with heavy brownish maroon spotting or mottling. Mystic Mix series has virtually unspotted flowers. Sow in spring for summer bloom, or set out plants for early spring show. Provide rich soil with high organic content, regular water, partial or full shade. Actually a perennial, this is most commonly grown as an annual.