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Description
Monardella Sheltonii, commonly known as Shelton’s monardella, is a species of wildflower that is native to the coastal region of California in the United States. This plant belongs to the mint family and features pink to purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monardella |
Appearance
Shelton’s monardella grows up to 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide, making it a great plant for ground cover. Its leaves are dark green and have a strong minty aroma. The flowers are pink to purple in color, with each bloom measuring about 0.5 inches in diameter. They are arranged in clusters on top of the stems and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Water: Shelton’s monardella prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering frequency during winter.
Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring to encourage growth.
Soil: Shelton’s monardella grows best in sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil conditions as long as they are well-draining.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can stunt its growth and reduce flower production.
Hardiness Zones: Shelton’s monardella is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Shelton’s monardella is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can attract aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can also be a problem if the soil is too wet, so make sure to provide adequate drainage.
Habitat
Shelton’s monardella is found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats, usually growing on rocky slopes or in sandy soils. It is endemic to California and is commonly found in San Diego and Orange counties.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Shelton’s monardella be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Shelton’s monardella can be grown in containers as long as they are at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Make sure to use well-draining soil and water regularly.
Q: How often should I prune Shelton’s monardella?
A: You can prune Shelton’s monardella in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Cut back the stems to about half their length, making sure to leave some leaves on each stem.
Q: Does Shelton’s monardella attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Shelton’s monardella is a great plant for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
Q: Is Shelton’s monardella deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Shelton’s monardella is deer-resistant due to its strong minty aroma.
Related Plants
- Monardella villosa
- Monardella macrantha
- Monardella linoides
- Monardella antonina
- Monardella odoratissima
References
- “Monardella sheltonii.” Calflora. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Monardella+sheltonii.
- “Monardella sheltonii.” San Marcos Growers. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2531.
- Powell, Brian. “Monardella sheltonii.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/monardella-sheltonii.
