Mimulus cardinalis
scarlet monkey flower
An upright perennial, often grown as an annual, with creeping rhizomes, bearing 2-lipped scarlet flowers to 5cm in length over a long period in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Phrymaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Mimulus can be annuals, perennials or evergreen shrubs, with paired leaves and 2-lipped tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers in terminal racemes or in the leaf axils
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W USA to Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in wet, humus-rich soil in full sun or very light dappled shade, can also be planted at pond margins in up to 10cm of water. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or early spring, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Young plants are susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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