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Description
Diplacus Aurantiacus, also known as Sticky Monkeyflower, is a beautiful plant native to California that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has glossy green leaves and vibrant orange flowers that bloom from March to June. These flowers are shaped like a monkey’s face, hence the common name “Sticky Monkeyflower.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Genus | Diplacus |
Appearance
Sticky Monkeyflower has glossy green leaves that are 1-3 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. The vibrant orange flowers are 1-2 inches long and have two lips that are fused together. These flowers are shaped like a monkey’s face, with the upper lip resembling a monkey’s forehead and the lower lip resembling a monkey’s mouth. Sticky Monkeyflower blooms from March to June and attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Care Guide
Sticky Monkeyflower is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:Water: Sticky Monkeyflower prefers moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Sticky Monkeyflower prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil.Sunlight: Sticky Monkeyflower prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will bloom less.Hardiness Zones: Sticky Monkeyflower is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sticky Monkeyflower is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and spider mites. To prevent these problems, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Sticky Monkeyflower is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Sticky Monkeyflower in a container?A: Yes, Sticky Monkeyflower can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage.Q: Can Sticky Monkeyflower tolerate frost?A: No, Sticky Monkeyflower is not frost-tolerant and may die if exposed to frost.Q: How often should I prune Sticky Monkeyflower?A: You can prune Sticky Monkeyflower after it finishes blooming in the summer. Prune back about a third of the plant to encourage bushier growth.Q: Can I propagate Sticky Monkeyflower from cuttings?A: Yes, you can propagate Sticky Monkeyflower from cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in moist soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sticky Monkeyflower:- Mimulus Cardinalis- Mimulus Guttatus- Mimulus Lewisii- Mimulus Tilingii- Diplacus Puniceus
References
– “Diplacus aurantiacus.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 30 August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DIAU.- “Sticky Monkeyflower.” San Francisco Botanical Garden. Accessed 30 August 2021. https://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/plant-month/sticky-monkeyflower.html.- “Diplacus aurantiacus.” California Native Plant Society. Accessed 30 August 2021. https://www.cnps.org/gardening/plant-science/plant-profiles/diplacus-aurantiacus.
