The Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
Monkey flowers (Mimulussp.)
are a genus offlowering annuals and perennialsknown for their colorful blooms and ability to attract pollinators.
It’s thought that monkey flowers earned their common name because their blooms resemble a monkey’s face.
The Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
Remaining species were reclassified mostly asErythrantheandDiplacus, and many of these are still commonly referred to as monkey flowers.
It’s important to know which variety you have–and what it needs to thrive.
Here are the main requirements for growing monkey flowers in your garden.
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Some species, like the Allegheny monkey flower (Mimulusringens) will do better in part sun.
Some, includingMimulus’Pamela' (Mimulus aurantiacusvar.grandiflorus) grow best in sandy, fast-draining soil.
Monkey flowers can be planted in containers with a standard potting mix amended with organic compost.
The Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
Some can even tolerate occasional flooding.
Allegheny monkey flower, native to eastern North America, is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Bush monkey flower originates in California and can be grown as a perennial in zones 7-10.
Allegheny monkey flowerThe Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
Fertilizer
Work compost into the soil four to six weeks before planting monkey flower to add nutrients.
Bush monkey flowers can be cut back after their first flowering to promote another bloom later in the season.
Propagating Monkey Flower
Some monkey flowers, includingDiplacusspecies, are easy to propagate via stem cuttings.
Seep monkey flowerThe Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
Others, like scarlet monkey flowers, are best propagated by dividing mature plants.
Here’s how to propagate monkey flowers.
You’ll need gardening gloves, a shovel or trowel, and a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners.
‘Yellow Blotch’ monkey flowerThe Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
You’ll need a shovel, organic compost, seeds, and water.
Insect pests like thrips and mealybugs can also affect monkey flowers.
How to Get Monkey Flowers to Bloom
Monkey flowers are known for their profuse, colorful blooms.
‘Curious Red’ monkey flowerThe Spruce / Courtesy of DDM
Here’s what to know about monkey flowers and how to keep yours blooming and looking beautiful.
Bloom Months
Monkey flowers' bloom time depends on the species and region.
On the West Coast, monkey flowers may bloom as early as March and as late as October.
In the Northeast, they tend to bloom from June through September.
How Long Do Monkey Flowers Bloom?
What Do Monkey Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Monkey flowers get their name from the shape of their blooms.
Plants have trumpet-shaped or tube-shaped flowers that resemble a grinning face with a tongue sticking out.
Monkey flowers are planted for their bright colors and low-maintenance growth habit rather than their aroma.
Deadheading Monkey Flower
Deadheadingmonkey flowers, or removing spent blooms, will keep the plant looking healthy.
It’s best to deadhead before the flowers set seeds.
Here are a couple of issues to watch out for.
Cut back on watering.
How Monkey Flowers Attract Both Birds and Bees.University of Connecticut.
