Overview
Mimulus lewisii is a perennial herb in the genus Mimulus, part of the Phrymaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Mimulus lewisii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Western N America.
About
Mimulus lewisii is a perennial herb notable for its pale-pink to dark-magenta flowers with yellow nectar guides. It reaches about 0.6 m and prefers full sun on reliably moist to wet ground. Flowering runs from June to September. Fully hardy in the UK (H7).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erythranthe lewisii
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 lewisii is a perennial herb in the family Phrymaceae, native to western North America. It typically grows to around 0.6 m and produces flowers that range from pale pink to dark magenta, often showing a central pair of yellow nectar guides; occasional white-flowered forms are recorded. Plant into a sunny site and aim for soil that stays moist — this species tolerates sandy, loamy or clay substrates provided they are not allowed to dry out. It suits ground that is described as moist but well-drained through to wet, so positioning where irrigation or natural seepage maintains moisture will extend its flowering. Mimulus lewisii is fully hardy (H7) across the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Use it where a mid-border height of roughly 0.6 m is useful: damp sunny beds, pond margins, moisture-retentive borders and naturalistic wildflower areas all suit its requirements. Plants sited in full sun and steady moisture reliably produce regular flushes of blooms from June to September, and the yellow nectar guides on the lower corolla lobe are a distinctive field mark worth checking when selecting plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mimulus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mimulus lewisii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- Western N America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mimulus lewisii
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mimulus lewisii?
Mimulus lewisii prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Mimulus lewisii need?
Mimulus lewisii 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 lewisii grow?
Mimulus lewisii reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Mimulus lewisii hardy in the UK?
Mimulus lewisii 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 lewisii?
Seed, Cuttings.