Overview
Mimulus cardinalis is a perennial in the genus Mimulus, part of the Phrymaceae family. Mimulus cardinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and naturalized areas. It is native to W USA to Mexico.
About
Mimulus cardinalis is a perennial with nectar-rich, strongly reflexed red to orange-red flowers, occasionally found in yellow in the wild. It favours moist, well-drained soil and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Flowering runs from June to September. Leaves are toothed and often downy to the touch.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erythranthe cardinalis
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 cardinalis originates from the western United States down into Mexico and favours low-elevation, damp sites in its native range. In British gardens it is valued for its nectar-rich, reflexed flowers in shades of red to orange-red, with occasional yellow forms occurring naturally. Expect blooms from June to September. Plant it where soil remains reliably moist but drains away — damp borders, the edges of ponds or water gardens and naturalised drifts mirror its preferred conditions. Give it full sun where irrigation keeps the rootzone damp, or sit it in partial shade where soil stays cool; avoid bone-dry soils. A free-draining yet consistently moist substrate suits it best. Groups planted on pond margins or in mixed damp borders make the floral display more obvious and take advantage of its suggested uses in borders, water gardens and naturalised areas. The nectar-rich corollas are held clear of the foliage, making the flowers visible at close range from summer into September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mimulus
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil moisture
- moist
Plant details
Mimulus cardinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, water gardens, naturalized areas
- Native to
- W USA to Mexico
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mimulus cardinalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist conditions; avoid drought stress; can be grown near water features
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mimulus cardinalis?
Prefers moist conditions; avoid drought stress; can be grown near water features.
Where is the best place to plant Mimulus cardinalis?
Mimulus cardinalis prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Mimulus cardinalis need?
Mimulus cardinalis grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Mimulus cardinalis?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How do I propagate Mimulus cardinalis?
Seed, cuttings.