Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Mimulus x hybridus or Monkey Flower

The genus Mimulus, family Phrymaceae, comprises 80 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants native to Asia, North America, and Australia. Some species are: Mimulus x hybridus (hybrid), Mimulus cupreus, Mimulus brevipes, Mimulus cardinalis, Mimulus luteus, Mimulus moschatus, Mimulus lewisii, Mimulus glutinosus.

Common name: Monkey Flower. This species is native to South and Central America.

They are perennial or annual herbaceous plants that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. They have simple leaves with smooth or serrated edges and a deep green color. The showy bilabiated flowers are funnel-shaped and can be red, white, orange, cream, yellow, etc. They bloom in summer; there are varieties that bloom in spring.

They are used in rockeries, in flower beds, on curbs and in pots for balconies, windows, terraces and patios. They have medicinal properties and were even used as a substitute for salt due to its ability to absorb salt from the ground.

Mimulus hybridus grows in sunny, semi-shaded or shaded exposures. They do not tolerate cold, much less frost.

The soil must be light, contain 1/3 of peat and abundant organic matter. Surface digging into the substrate from time to time to keep it loose. Planting is done at the end of winter.

Water frequently but with little water; they need constant but discreet humidity.

Prune withered flowers.

Fertilize every 15 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer.

The enemies of these plants are cold and excess or lack of humidity.

They propagate from seeds sown in spring (annuals) or by division in spring (perennials).

Images of the plant Mimulus x hybridus or Monkey Flower