Bush Monkeyflower

(Diplacus aurantiacus)

Bush Monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Diplacus aurantiacus, commonly known as Bush Monkeyflower or Sticky Bush Monkeyflower, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral regions of California, as well as the southern Oregon coast. It typically grows up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall and features deep green, sticky leaves that are 3 to 7 centimeters long and up to a centimeter broad. The flowering stems grow vertically, bearing tubular flowers at the base, about 2 centimeters long with five broad lobes. The flowers bloom from late spring to summer and come in various shades from white to red, with light orange being the most common color. They are particularly showy and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Southern Bush Monkeyflower is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for water-conserving landscapes, native plant gardens, and wildlife habitats. It is also appreciated for its ability to attract pollinators. While it can be short-lived, its ease of propagation from cuttings or seeds allows gardeners to maintain it in their gardens. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its performance in gardens. For optimal growth, it requires full sun to part shade, low to medium water, and well-drained soils. It is frost-sensitive and may need protection or indoor cultivation in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrubs
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 2-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal sage scrub and chaparral regions of California, as well as the southern Oregon coast

Other Names

Common Names: Sticky Monkey-Flower , Bush Monkey-Flower , Orange Bush Monkey-Flower , Broadleaf Monkeyflower

Scientific Names: Mimulus aurantiacus , Diplacus aurantiacus , Mimulus aurantiacus var. pubescens , Mimulus glutinosus , Mimulus latifolius , Diplacus glutinosus , Diplacus glutinosus var. pubescens , Mimulus aurantiacus subsp. aurantiacus , Diplacus latifolius , Diplacus aurantius

GBIF Accepted Name: Diplacus aurantiacus (Curtis) Jeps.