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Description
Erythranthe Rubella, also known as the Red Monkey Flower, is a small perennial plant that belongs to the family Phrymaceae. It is native to the western United States and is commonly found in moist areas such as stream banks, meadows, and forest clearings. The plant produces vibrant red flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and bees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Genus | Erythranthe |
Appearance
Erythranthe Rubella grows up to 12 inches tall and has a spread of 12-18 inches. The plant has thin, hairy stems that grow upright and sometimes branch out. The leaves are lance-shaped, about 2-3 inches long and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are tubular and about 1 inch long, with five petals that flare out at the end. They are bright red with yellow markings and grow in clusters at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
Erythranthe Rubella is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help it thrive:
Water: Erythranthe Rubella prefers moist soil, so water it regularly during the growing season. However, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization: This plant does not need much fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, but be careful not to overfeed it.
Soil: Erythranthe Rubella prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0-7.0 is ideal.
Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to wilt.
Hardiness Zones: Erythranthe Rubella is hardy in zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erythranthe Rubella is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but here are some issues to watch out for:
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
Spider mites: These pests can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves and webs on the plant. Use an insecticidal soap or oil to control them.
Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining and reduce watering if necessary.
Habitat
Erythranthe Rubella is native to the western United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including stream banks, meadows, and forest clearings. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Erythranthe Rubella tolerate full sun?
A: No, this plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Erythranthe Rubella?
A: Water it regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Q: Is Erythranthe Rubella a hardy plant?
A: Yes, it is hardy in zones 7-10.
Q: How tall does Erythranthe Rubella grow?
A: It grows up to 12 inches tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Erythranthe Rubella:
- Erythranthe Cardinalis
- Erythranthe Guttata
- Erythranthe Lewisii
- Erythranthe Tilingii
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/erythranthe_rubella.shtml
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/monkey-flower/growing-red-monkey-flower.htm
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHRU
