Spotted monkey flower
Erythranthe guttata · Phrymaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spotted monkey flower: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Erythranthe guttata
- Family
- Phrymaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or short-lived perennial herb
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn (yellow flowers speckled with red)
- Light exposure
- Part shade to shade, appreciates filtered light
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, sensitive to frost
- Origin
- Western North America (California, Oregon)
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. The monkey flower appreciates a cool environment and fears prolonged drought. Reduce watering slightly in winter if the plant is grown indoors.
Light Exposure
Place your spotted monkey flower in part shade or light shade, away from direct afternoon sun. It tolerates shaded areas better than most annual flowers. Indirect light promotes prolonged flowering without risk of leaf burn.
Soil
Choose rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A mixture of universal potting soil enriched with organic matter will give excellent results. Avoid chalky soils and make sure water doesn't pool around the roots.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growth and flowering period. Moderate feeding is sufficient; excessive fertilization would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning and Pinching
Pinch the young stems to encourage bushy, branched growth. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period. Light pruning in late summer can rejuvenate the plant if it becomes leggy.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for powdery mildew and excess moisture that can cause rot. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting the foliage. Aphids may occasionally affect new shoots; treat them quickly with soapy water.
Did you know?
The spotted monkey flower owes its scientific name Erythranthe (from the Greek 'anthos' meaning flower and 'erythros' meaning red) to its characteristic red splashes on a yellow background, which look like so many kisses of fire. Once classified in the genus Mimulus, it was reclassified in 2012 as Erythranthe according to modern genetic studies, joining a dozen or so North American cousins.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Diplacus aurantiacusDiplacus aurantiacus
- 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.