Diplacus aurantiacus
Diplacus aurantiacus · Phrymaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around diplacus aurantiacus and prepare for winter.
ID card
- English name
- California Monkeyflower
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (March-August)
- Adult size
- 0.6 to 1.2 m in height, 1 m spread
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (-2 to 5°C depending on climate)
- Origin
- California (United States)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, dry to moderately moist
Care
Light Requirements
Place this plant in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) to achieve abundant and generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade in warm climates, but flowering will be less spectacular. Avoid dense shade areas that weaken branching.
Watering
Water regularly but without excess, especially during hot periods and flowering. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering considerably and maintain just minimal moisture to prevent root rot.
Soil and Planting
Choose well-drained, light and fertile soil. Enrich the substrate with sand or perlite if your soil is too compact. Plant in spring and avoid stagnant water, which is harmful to this species from arid regions.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch back young shoots regularly to encourage dense and compact branching. Prune lightly after main flowering to stimulate a second flush of flowers. Remove dead or weak branches in spring.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in potassium once or twice a month during the growing season and flowering. Reduce or stop feeding in autumn-winter. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for whiteflies and spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Excess moisture favors powdery mildew and root rot; ensure good air circulation and optimal drainage. Treat promptly at the first sign with gentle methods.
Did you know?
This beautiful California monkeyflower was long prized by Victorian English horticulturists as a greenhouse and conservatory plant. Its tubular flowers in intense apricot-orange color resemble the lips of an open mouth, which explains the English nickname "Monkey flower" used for other species in this genus. Originating from California's arid lands, it symbolizes the remarkable adaptation of Mediterranean plants to dry conditions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Spotted monkey flowerErythranthe guttata
- Allegheny monkey flowerMimulus ringens
- LopseedPhryma leptostachya
- Musk monkeyflowerErythranthe moschata
- Red bush monkeyflowerDiplacus puniceus
- Erythranthe lewisiiErythranthe lewisii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.