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Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Scrophulariaceae
Mimulus cardinalis
Cardinal Monkey-flower, Scarlet Monkey-flower
Delicate in appearance but robust, scarlet monkey-flower is an evergreen perennial wildflower that favors locations with moist soils. This scarlet-flowered beauty is a western native that can be found from Washington State down to California and east to New Mexico. It dwells happily at the bottom of stream canyons and wetlands where soils remain moist, even in the dry season.
Simple, deeply veined leaves with toothed edges line the herbaceous stems of this monkey-flower. They are medium green and hairless. From spring through to fall plants produce loads of tubular, two-lipped flowers that come in shades of brilliant crimson or orange-red. The blooms are specifically pollinated by hummingbirds that visit them in flurries. Inconspicuous seed-filled capsules follow. This is a heavy self-seeding wildflower, so expect volunteers.
Full to partial sun and low, moist ground with organic-rich soil are best for scarlet monkey-flower. Its old stems tend to look ragged and can be lightly trimmed back to make way for new, fresh foliage. If soil conditions become too dry plants tend to die back and lay low until winter rains come. Once established this unique species will spread to form large clumps. Plant it in any naturalistic garden or moist container. Every western hummingbird garden should not be without scarlet monkey-flower.
9 - 6
6 - 9
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Western United States, California
Neutral
Average
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water, Ample Water
Cushion/Mound-forming
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
Red, Crimson, Orange Red
Green
No
Single
Yes
Medium
Matte
Bog Garden, Container, Mixed Border, Water Gardens, Wildflower
Sometimes
Hummingbirds
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