If you're looking for an eye-catching plant that will turn heads in your garden all summer long, a mimulus plant, also known as monkey flower and jester flower, should be at the top of your list. These bushy, evergreen shrubs have relatively simple needs and will reward you with an abundance of blooms. Mimulus is a genus containing hardy perennials as well as hardy annuals and semi-hardy perennials. These fast-growing plants are valued not only for their showy flowers, but also for their relatively long flowering period.
What is a monkey flower – general information on the topic
- The name of this genus has its roots in ancient Greece. It comes from the Greek word “mimo”, which means monkey. To many people, the flowers of these plants look like monkey faces.
- This genus was originally placed in the family Scrophulariaceae. After some time, it was moved to the Phrymaceae family, which mainly includes herbs and subshrubs.
- There are no reports of toxic effects for the croaker flower. It is considered safe for humans and animals.
- Many Mimulus species are edible. The entire plant is safe, but can often be too bitter to eat, especially when raw. The leaves are sometimes used in salads.
- Monkeyflower was often used by Native Americans as a salt substitute for meat. It has a high concentration of sodium chloride and other salts. Nowadays it is often used in homeopathy as it is believed to reduce anxiety and stress. One particular variety, the Mimulus Guttatus, was used more extensively for its medicinal properties. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and to treat back pain, headaches, wounds and burns. It is also believed that theyprevents depression.
- The plant is quite hardy and is not known to be susceptible to pests or diseases.
- The monkey flower is an asset to your garden not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it is of great value to the local wildlife. Their flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Birds are also attracted to it because they eat its seeds. Caterpillars and other insects still feed on their leaves.
Characteristics of Mimulus – What does a monkey flower look like?
- Mimulus plants reach a height of up to 45 cm and a width of up to 90 cm.
- Most Gaukerblume species are evergreen. The leaves can be round or elliptical, with an average width of 1 cm and a tip length of 7 cm. The leaves are different for each species. They can be shiny or sticky and have light or dark shades of green. In some species the leaves are downy or have toothed edges.
- The showy Mimulus flowers come in many intense colors such as yellow, orange, red, burgundy, purple, white and even multicolored. It blooms from late spring to late summer. In areas with mild autumn you can even still enjoy the October blossoms.
Fun fact:The monkey flower is not to be confused with thatOrchid monkey face. These are different plants.
How to care for Mimulus
The Gaukerblume thrives in moist locations. It grows best at the edge of a stream, in a moist bed or in a damp spot. When it comes to sun exposure, it is very adaptable provided the soil moisture can balance the heat. It generally grows best in shade, but can also thrive in full sun if rooted in moist, non-drying soil. In general, a partially shaded location results in bushier foliage but fewer flowers. A sunnier location, on the other hand, leads to more flowers and fewer leaves.
Mimulus can also be cultivated as an aquatic plant. Once fully grown, you should only plant it in shallow water. Seedlings and young plants are more delicate and could drown if planted directly in water. Remember that plants growing in shallow water can sometimes become invasive.
Regardless of whether you plant the plant in water or in the ground, you should depilate it before it begins to seed. When it comes to overwintering, you don't have to worry too much about monkeyflowers. Most species are up to at leastHardy at -20 °C.
How to Plant Gaukerblume
If you don't have a body of water in your garden, you'll need to find another way to provide the gooseflower with the moist soil they need to thrive. The seeds should be planted on the surface of the soil while the roots should be buried to the base of the stem.
To create an ideal growing environment for Mimulus plants, enrich your garden soil with humus, clay or loam. Overall, the soil should be poorly drained.As for the pH value, so the plant can adapt to all soils, whether they are alkaline, acidic or neutral.
Watering the Mimulus plant
This plant likes water with a neutral pH of 5.6 to 7.5. If you plant them on the edge of a stream or pond, you won't have to worry about watering them. If you plant the plant in a container or in a garden that does not have a water source nearby, you must ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times.
The frequency of watering depends on the size of the container and the drainage capacity of the soil. It's best to check the soil regularly until you know how long it will take for it to dry out. This will allow you to set up a watering schedule that will prevent the soil from drying out.
Propagation of the monkey flower
Mimulus plants can be propagated by seeds, division, or softwood cuttings. To propagate from seeds, you must sow the seeds in early spring. If you are a beginner gardener, use a seed starter kit. You can also use an egg carton or cardboard seed tray. However, without proper coverage, it is more difficult to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Whatever you choose, scatter the seeds and cover them lightly with soil. Seedlings should emerge within 8-10 weeks. Once the threat of the last frost has passed, you can transplant them outdoors. The good thing about cardboard seed containers is that you can cut off the individual containers and plant them outdoors. You do not need to remove the seedlings from the individual cardboard containers.
