Diplacus Calycinus
Contents
Description
Diplacus Calycinus, commonly known as the Sticky Monkeyflower, is a native plant of California that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. It is a perennial shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant produces numerous flowers that bloom from late winter to early summer, with colors varying from orange to red to yellow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Genus | Diplacus |
Appearance
The Sticky Monkeyflower has a unique appearance with its sticky leaves that are oval, pointed, and about 2 inches long. The flowers are tubular with two lips, and the lower lip has a yellow patch with red dots. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for filling large spaces in gardens or landscapes.
Care Guide
The Sticky Monkeyflower is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for its care:
- Water: The plant needs moderate watering during its growing season, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The Sticky Monkeyflower requires full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sticky Monkeyflower is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common issues that may arise:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, which can be treated with a fungicide.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Sticky Monkeyflower is native to California and is found in coastal scrub, chaparral, and woodland habitats. It prefers areas with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Sticky Monkeyflower a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the Sticky Monkeyflower is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for.
Q: How often should I water my Sticky Monkeyflower?
A: Water the plant moderately during its growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I grow Sticky Monkeyflower in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and is placed in an area with full sun to partial shade.
Q: How tall can the Sticky Monkeyflower grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Diplacus aurantiacus
- Diplacus grandiflorus
- Diplacus longiflorus
- Diplacus puniceus
References
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=2718
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DICA3
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/diplacus-calycinus-sticky-monkeyflower
