Origin
The Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz, also known as sticky monkey flower, is a native plant to the western United States, primarily California.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name and sticky monkey flower, the Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis is also referred to as bush monkey flower or orange bush monkey flower.
Uses
The sticky monkey flower has been used by indigenous communities as a medicine for various ailments such as cough, colds, and inflammation. It also serves as a source of nectar for bees and hummingbirds and as a landscape design plant due to its attractive orange hue and ease of cultivation.
General Appearance
The Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis is a small to medium-sized shrub that usually grows up to 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide with a dense and spreading habit. Its leaves are dark green and glossy and its showy flowers are intense orange in color. The flowers bloom in the late spring to early summer, and the shrub usually has a long blooming season. Its fruits are small capsules filled with small seeds. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil with moderate water requirements.
Light Requirements
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz thrives in full sun or partial shade. In areas with higher temperatures, it may benefit from afternoon shade. It is crucial to avoid planting it in complete shade, as it may result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers mild temperatures ranging between 50-80 F (10-27 C). In hot areas, regular watering and shading may be necessary to keep it cool. At temperatures above 85 F (30 C), the plant may experience heat stress and wilt, leading to plant death.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels, but it grows best at a slightly acidic pH between 5.5-6.5. It is crucial to avoid soils that are prone to waterlogging, as these may damage the plant's roots and affect its overall growth.
Cultivation methods
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis, also known as the southern sticky monkeyflower, is a shrub that grows between 2-6 feet high and 4-6 feet wide. It is native to California, mostly found in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and woodland habitats. The plant prefers a sunny location, in well-drained soil, and is tolerant of drought and harsh conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds, cuttings, or layering. Seeds can be sown in the fall or winter in pots or directly in the garden. Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood stem tips in summer and fall, and rooting hormone can help improve success rates. Layering involves burying a part of the stem in the soil to encourage rooting, and after a few months, the stem can be detached to form a new plant.Watering needs
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it is essential to let the soil dry between watering to prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot. Deep and infrequent watering is preferred to light showers. Use a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels before watering, and water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.Fertilization
The plant's nutrient needs can be met through regular topdressing with compost or mulch, which helps improve soil fertility while maintaining soil moisture. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, following the manufacturer's recommended rates. Avoid overfertilizing, which can encourage leggy growth and reduced flowering.Pruning
Pruning Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis promotes bushy growth and enhances flowering. Prune after the flowering season, generally in late summer or early fall. Remove dead or diseased branches, and cut back the tips of the remaining stems to encourage branching. Trim back one-third of the plant's height to control its size and enhance its shape. Sterilize pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or bleach between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.Propagation of Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz, also known as southern sticky monkey flower, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and divisions:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz. The seeds can be sown in nursery trays in early spring to late summer. It is important to note that the seeds may have a low germination rate, therefore it is recommended to sow more seeds than what is needed. The seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after 8-10 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is beneficial because it produces clones of the parent plant. Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during spring or summer. Cut 3-4 inch long stems that have no flowers or buds. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip it into rooting hormone powder before planting it into a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the plant in a shaded area. It is recommended to use a plastic bag to cover the plant to increase the humidity. Once the roots appear and new growth emerges, it can be transplanted outdoors.
Divisions
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz can also be propagated through division of the root ball. This method is best done in early spring. Dig up the parent plant and gently separate the roots into small sections. Plant the sections into well-draining soil mixture and keep them moist. In a few weeks, new growth will emerge. It is best to transplant the divisions in the fall.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz
Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz, also known as sticky monkeyflower, is a hardy evergreen shrub native to California. Although this plant is relatively disease-resistant, it may be susceptible to certain pests and diseases under certain environmental conditions.
Common Diseases
Bacterial leaf blight, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, is a disease that may affect Mimulus aurantiacus. Symptoms include water-soaked spots on leaves that eventually turn brown and die. Pruning infected parts of the plant may help manage the disease, but the best strategy is to avoid overwatering and to promote good air circulation around the plant.
Powdery mildew, caused by several fungal species, is another disease that may affect sticky monkeyflower. Symptoms include white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing. Fungicides may also be applied.
Common Pests
Aphids are common pests that may infest Mimulus aurantiacus. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, wash them off the plant with a sharp spray of water. Neem oil or insecticidal soap may also be used.
Spider mites are another pest that may infest sticky monkeyflower. Symptoms of infestation include yellowing and bronzing of leaves, as well as webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a sharp spray of water and keep the humidity high. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil may also be used.
Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing distortion and discoloration of the tissues. To control thrips, use sticky traps or apply insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
In general, maintaining a healthy growing environment for Mimulus aurantiacus W. Curtis ssp. australis (McMinn) Munz is the best strategy for preventing diseases and pests. Proper care, such as regular pruning, avoiding overwatering, and promoting good air circulation, will help keep the plant healthy and resilient. When pests or diseases do occur, early identification and intervention can help prevent them from spreading and causing serious damage to the plant.
