Overview
Mimulus guttatus is a perennial herb in the genus Mimulus, part of the Phrymaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Mimulus guttatus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to W North America.
About
Mimulus guttatus is a perennial herb that bears yellow tubular flowers from June to September. It typically reaches about 0.6 m in height and favours moist conditions. Plant in full sun where soil is sandy, loamy or clay but remains moist or wet. It is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erythranthe guttata
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 guttatus is a perennial herb native to western North America, notable for its yellow, tubular flowers that appear from June to September. Plants form a compact clump reaching roughly 0.6 m and are suited to sites that do not dry out through the summer. Choose a sunny spot with soil that can be sandy, loamy or clay, provided it remains moist to wet or at least moist but well drained. It tolerates a range of soil textures but will not thrive in drought-prone positions; regular soil moisture is key rather than a particular feed regime. H7 hardiness means it is fully hardy in UK gardens and will withstand the coldest usual winter conditions. In the garden, place Mimulus guttatus at damp margins, in moisture-retentive mixed borders or alongside streams and ponds where soil remains reliably wet. Its summer flowering period gives sustained cover between June and September; expect plants to stand to about 0.6 m when in bloom and plan spacing to allow air to move through the clump during wet weather.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mimulus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mimulus guttatus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- W North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mimulus guttatus
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mimulus guttatus?
Mimulus guttatus prefers full sun.
What soil does Mimulus guttatus need?
Mimulus guttatus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Mimulus guttatus grow?
Mimulus guttatus reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Mimulus guttatus hardy in the UK?
Mimulus guttatus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Mimulus guttatus?
Seed, Cuttings.