Mimulus aurantiacus

Common Name:
Monkeyflower
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Phrymaceae (formerly in Scrophulariaceae)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
3-4 feet or more
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring and summer

Flower Color:
Orange
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to no watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

California hillsides can be painted with patches of bright tangerine orange in late spring as the soil dries and this shrubby monkeyflower puts on its show. Unlike many of the hybrids, this species tends to be a fairly erect shrub to 3-4 or more feet high. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. It can withstand absolute summer drought, though with water it will retain more leaves. Host plant for Variable Checkerspot butterfly. Sun to part shade, occasional to no watering.