Red bush monkeyflower
Diplacus puniceus · Phrymaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around red bush monkeyflower and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Scarlet monkeyflower, Scarlet diplacus
- Family
- Phrymaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (March-June)
- Adult size
- 0.6 to 1.2 m in height
- Origin
- California (United States)
- Hardiness
- Tender, cultivate in mild climates or in containers
- Soil type
- Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Exposure and climate
Place your Diplacus puniceus in full sun or partial shade. This plant enjoys warmth and fears intense frosts. In cold regions, grow it in a container so you can protect it indoors or under shelter during winter.
Watering
Water regularly during active growth and flowering. Reduce watering in winter. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging. In dry climates, frequent but moderate watering works well.
Soil and drainage
Choose light, well-draining potting mix. A mixture of horticultural soil with added sand or perlite is ideal. The soil should never remain waterlogged, as the plant dreads root rot.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back young stems regularly to encourage a branched, compact form. After flowering, perform light pruning to maintain shape and stimulate flower production the following year. Remove dead or diseased branches.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the growing and flowering season (spring-summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn and winter. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and aphids, particularly in hot, dry climates. Excess moisture can lead to rot or fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering to prevent these issues.
Did you know?
Diplacus puniceus, formerly classified in the Mimulus genus, produces exceptionally beautiful flowers in scarlet red or bright orange. This species endemic to California was widely used by breeders to create magnificent ornamental varieties, enriching gardens worldwide since the 19th century.
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
- Diplacus aurantiacusDiplacus aurantiacus
- Allegheny monkey flowerMimulus ringens
- LopseedPhryma leptostachya
- Musk monkeyflowerErythranthe moschata
- Erythranthe lewisiiErythranthe lewisii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.