Erythranthe lewisii
Erythranthe lewisii · Phrymaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant erythranthe lewisii: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Temperate to mild climate, sensitive to intense frost
- Origin
- Western North America (California, Oregon)
- Soil type
- Well-draining soil, moist to cool
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without waterlogging, especially during growth and flowering. During dry periods, water more frequently as this plant appreciates consistent moisture. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Light
Place Lewis' monkeyflower in bright, indirect light, or partial shade during hot afternoons. Too much shade reduces flowering; too much direct sun can scorch the foliage and dry out the plant.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining mix that retains moisture (potting soil, peat, or ericaceous soil). Avoid overly dry or compacted soil. Adding compost ensures good baseline fertility.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 15 days during flowering (May to September). Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers; stick to moderate formulations.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back stems in spring to encourage dense, compact branching. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. In autumn, cut back the plant or let it dry naturally if grown as an annual.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot if moisture is excessive and prolonged. Spider mites can infest the plant in overly dry conditions; mist the foliage regularly to prevent this. Relatively resistant to common pests.
Did you know?
Lewis' monkeyflower is named after American botanist Meriwether Lewis, an emblematic figure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early nineteenth century. This expedition enabled the discovery and documentation of many North American plants, including this beautiful monkeyflower with scarlet flowers.
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
- Spotted monkey flowerErythranthe guttata
- Diplacus aurantiacusDiplacus aurantiacus
- Allegheny monkey flowerMimulus ringens
- LopseedPhryma leptostachya
- Musk monkeyflowerErythranthe moschata
- Red bush monkeyflowerDiplacus puniceus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.