Overview
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant, commonly known as Bigelow's Monkeyflower, is a species of herbaceous plant that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in California, Nevada, and Arizona. It thrives in moist soils found near springs, streams, and seeps in desert and montane habitats at elevations of 200-2000 m above sea level.
Description
The Bigelow's Monkeyflower is a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 1 m and has an upright stem with straight, erect branches. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and smooth-edged, growing up to 8 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and grouped in clusters of up to ten at the tip of the stems. The flower petals have red spots on the throat, and the flower has a tubular shape with a curved lip. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that splits open to release numerous tiny, round seeds.
Common Names
The Bigelow's Monkeyflower has several common names, including Bigelows yellow monkeyflower, cuspidate yellow monkeyflower, Bigelow's mimulus, and cuspidate monkeyflower.
Uses
The Bigelow's Monkeyflower has evolved to withstand extreme environments that are too dry for most plant species. The plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people as a poultice or tea to treat wounds, sore throats, and gastrointestinal ailments. Today, the plant is primarily used in horticulture and landscaping due to its attractive floral display, adaptable nature, and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant requires full sun exposure to thrive. They can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as abundantly as they would in full sun. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in an open area where they can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in warm temperatures and is well-suited for hot, arid environments. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F but prefer temperatures between 60-100°F. Winter temperatures below 20°F can cause damage to the plant, and it is essential to protect them during frost.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant prefers well-draining soil with a sandy or rocky texture. They can also grow in soils with lower organic matter content, and the pH range should be between 5.6-7.5. Adding compost or other forms of organic matter can help improve soil quality, but it is not necessary for this plant species.
Cultivation Methods
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant is a low-growing plant that requires well-drained soil with a neutral pH. The plant can be cultivated in containers or directly planted in the ground. It prefers full sunlight or partial shade with good air circulation. The ideal planting time is in spring or summer when the temperatures are warm.
Watering Needs
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant requires regular watering during its growing season. However, it is essential not to overwater it. The soil should be moist, but not too wet. The plant can withstand some drought, but it prefers consistently moist soil. Watering the plant in the morning is ideal to allow the foliage to dry off before evening.
Fertilization
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant can benefit from fertilization during its growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply it once every four weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant requires pruning to keep it tidy and promote bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms. The plant can be pinched back lightly, which helps to promote more branching. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation methods for Mimulus bigelovii Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant
Mimulus bigelovii Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest way to propagate Mimulus bigelovii Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the matured dry fruits and stored in a cool and dry place until the planting season. To start the seeds, sow them in well-draining soil in a container or directly in the ground. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks, depending on the temperature and soil moisture.
When the seedlings have grown tall enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Make sure to acclimate them gradually to the new environment to avoid transplant shock.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Mimulus bigelovii Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant can also be propagated through stem cuttings, especially if you want to produce identical plants. Take stem cuttings from the healthy parent plant in early spring or summer, making sure they are free of diseases and pests.
Prepare a well-draining soil mix and root hormone powder. Remove the bottom leaves of the stem cutting and dip it in the hormone powder. Insert the cutting in the soil and water them gently. Cover the container with plastic or glass to create a greenhouse effect and retain moisture.
Place the container in a bright but shaded location, maintaining the soil moisture and avoiding direct sunlight. The stem cuttings will form roots in 2-3 weeks, and you can gradually acclimate them to the new environment before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. cuspidatus A.L. Grant
Despite being relatively disease-resistant, Mimulus bigelovii var. cuspidatus can be affected by some diseases and pests. It is important to take preventive measures to avoid their occurrence and to identify symptoms early for effective management.
Common Diseases
The two most common diseases affecting Mimulus bigelovii var. cuspidatus are powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as white or gray powdery spots on the leaves and stems. Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange-brown spots with a powdery texture.
To prevent the occurrence of these diseases, it is important to ensure proper air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding, and limit excessive watering. If symptoms occur, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts and treat with an appropriate fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Mimulus bigelovii var. cuspidatus are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are tiny insects that form clusters on the underside of leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing it to wilt. Spider mites are also tiny and cause leaf yellowing and webbing.
To control aphids, wash the plant with a strong spray of water or apply an insecticidal soap. For spider mites, prune affected plant parts and use a miticide to eliminate the pests. It is important to monitor the plant regularly for pests and to take immediate action to prevent infestation.
