Overview
Mimulus aurantiacus is a subshrub in the genus Mimulus, part of the Phrymaceae family. Mimulus aurantiacus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Suggested uses include xeriscaping, native plant gardens, erosion control and wildlife gardens. It is native to W USA.
About
Mimulus aurantiacus is a subshrub in the Phrymaceae that suits exposed, well-drained sites. It naturally comes from western USA and is used where dry, sandy or rocky soils limit other planting. Plant in full sun or partial shade and keep to dry-to-medium soil moisture. Flowers appear from June to September, providing a summer display.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Diplacus aurantiacus
About the genus
Mimulus, also known as monkeyflowers, is a plant genus in the family Phrymaceae, which was traditionally placed in family Scrophulariaceae. The genus now contains only seven species, two native to eastern North America and the other five native to Asia, Australia, Africa, or Madagascar. In the past, about 150 species were placed in this genus, most of which have since been assigned to other genera, the majority to genus Erythranthe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mimulus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mimulus
In the garden
Mimulus aurantiacus is a woody subshrub in the Phrymaceae, native to the western United States. As a genus member of Mimulus it has a summer flowering habit and is suited to landscapes where soils are lean and exposure is high. The plant's origin favours poor, free-draining conditions rather than rich, water-retentive ground. Select a site in full sun or partial shade with sandy or rocky, well-drained soil; the species tolerates dry to medium moisture and exposed positions. Planting on a slight slope or in a gravelly mix helps avoid waterlogging, which it does not tolerate. Allow space for a multi-stemmed habit to develop and avoid heavy mulches that retain moisture around the crown. In the UK it performs well in xeriscaping, native-plant schemes, erosion-control belts and wildlife-focused borders where dry conditions prevail. Use it on coastal slopes, stony banks or sunny rockeries where other plants struggle. Expect flowers between June and September, making it a reliable source of summer colour in appropriately sited plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mimulus
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, rocky
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- exposed
Plant details
Mimulus aurantiacus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- subshrub
- Suggested uses
- xeriscaping, native plant gardens, erosion control, wildlife gardens
- Native to
- W USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mimulus aurantiacus
- Cultivation
- drought tolerant once established, prefers well-drained soil, avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mimulus aurantiacus?
Drought tolerant once established, prefers well-drained soil, avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Mimulus aurantiacus?
Mimulus aurantiacus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Mimulus aurantiacus need?
Mimulus aurantiacus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and rocky. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Mimulus aurantiacus?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How do I propagate Mimulus aurantiacus?
Seed, cuttings.