Diplacus

Description

Diplacus is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Phrymaceae. This genus comprises around 20 species of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, or subshrubs that are native to western North America. Diplacus is commonly known as monkeyflower or mimulus, and it is renowned for its beautiful and showy flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Diplacus is an easy-to-grow plant that can bring a splash of color to any garden.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Lamiales
Family	Phrymaceae
Genus	Diplacus

Appearance

Diplacus plants typically grow up to 3 feet tall and spread up to 2 feet wide. They have lance-shaped leaves that are 1-4 inches long and 0.2-2 inches wide. The flowers of Diplacus are trumpet-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. The flowers are typically 1-3 inches long and bloom from late spring to early summer. Diplacus is a beautiful and showy plant that can add color and texture to any garden.

Care Guide

Water: Diplacus plants require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather.

Fertilization: Diplacus plants do not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Soil: Diplacus plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Sunlight: Diplacus plants require full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but they will produce fewer flowers in shady conditions.

Hardiness Zones: Diplacus plants are hardy in USDA zones 7-10. They can tolerate some frost, but they may require protection in colder climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Diplacus plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, they may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-watered and well-ventilated, and remove any infected leaves or flowers promptly. If necessary, apply a mild insecticide or fungicide to control the pests or diseases.

Habitat

Diplacus plants are native to western North America, where they grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Diplacus plants be grown indoors?

A: Diplacus plants are best grown outdoors in a garden or container. They require full sun to partial shade and may not thrive indoors.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Diplacus plant?

A: Diplacus plants do not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Q: How do I propagate Diplacus plants?

A: Diplacus plants can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant and root it in moist soil or water. To propagate by seeds, sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate.

Q: Can Diplacus plants tolerate drought?

A: Diplacus plants can tolerate some drought, but they prefer consistent moisture. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather.

Related Plants

• Mimulus aurantiacus
• Mimulus cardinalis
• Mimulus guttatus
• Mimulus lewisii

References

• Baldwin, B. G. (2012). Mimulus. In The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (pp. 960-978). University of California Press.
• Kron, K. A., & Powell, E. A. (2007). Phylogenetic relationships and floral evolution of the genus Diplacus (Scrophulariaceae). Systematic Botany, 32(3), 596-615.
• Wilken, D. H. (2019). California’s Native Plants. UC Press.