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Mimulus primuloides (Primrose Monkey Flower)

Primrose Monkey Flower, Monkey Moss, Yellow Creeping Monkeyflower, Creeping Yellow Monkeyflower, Erythranthe primuloides

Mimulus primuloides, Primrose Monkey Flower, Yellow Creeping Monkeyflower, Creeping Yellow Monkeyflower, Yellow flowers, California natives,

Mimulus primuloides (Primrose Monkey Flower) is a rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial forming little rosettes of hairy, pale to mid-green leaves. In early to late summer, trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), with red-spotted throats are borne on short wiry stems. The blossoms are pollinated by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Low-growing, Primrose Monkey Flower is a water-loving perennial that is perfect as a ground cover for small, moist situations.

  • Grows up to 2-5 in. tall (5-12 cm) and 4-20 in. wide (10-50 cm).
  • Best in full sun or light shade in moisture retentive soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.
  • Great candidate for beds and borders, rock gardens, city gardens, cottage gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, along ponds and streams. Good ground cover for small, moist areas.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails or powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by seed or by division.
  • Native from Montana to Arizona, Washington to California.
  • Mimulus owe their common name to the shape and colors of their flowers that suggest or “mime” (Latin “mimus”) a monkey’s face.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phrymaceae
Genus Mimulus
Common names Monkey Flower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2" - 5"
(5cm - 13cm)
Spread 4" - 2'
(10cm - 60cm)
Spacing 20" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Idaho, Southwest, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, Utah, Rocky Mountains
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Mimulus lewisii (Purple Monkey Flower)
Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkey Flower)
Mimulus guttatus (Yellow Monkey Flower)
Mimulus cardinalis (Scarlet Monkey Flower)
Mimulus aurantiacus (Bush Monkey Flower)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phrymaceae
Genus Mimulus
Common names Monkey Flower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2" - 5"
(5cm - 13cm)
Spread 4" - 2'
(10cm - 60cm)
Spacing 20" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Idaho, Southwest, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, Utah, Rocky Mountains
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Mimulus (Monkey Flower) to pick?
Compare Now

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