Description of Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray is a species of perennial herb that belongs to the family Phrymaceae. This species is commonly known by various names such as Bigelow's monkeyflower, sticky monkeyflower, and largeflowered sticky monkeyflower.
Origin
This species is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Nevada, and California. It is commonly found in mountain ranges and canyons at elevations ranging from 150 to 2300 meters.
General Appearance
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray typically grows up to 1 meter in height and has a bushy habit. The leaves of this species are green and have a hairy, glandular texture, which makes them sticky to the touch. The flowers are large and showy, with a bright yellow, trumpet-shaped corolla that is about 3 centimeters in length. The plant typically blooms from March to August.
Uses
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray has a wide range of uses. Native American tribes used various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes such as treating headaches, stomach problems, and allergic reactions. The plant is also used as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes due to its showy nature and colorful flowers. Additionally, this plant also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.
Light Requirements:
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day for healthy growth. It is not tolerant of shade and tends to have stunted growth in heavily shaded areas. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in areas with plenty of light exposure.
Temperature Requirements:
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray belongs to the family Phrymaceae, which is native to North and South America. The plant has adapted to different environmental conditions but prefers a temperature range of 10-30°C. It can tolerate high temperatures but will require frequent watering to maintain its water levels. Temperatures below 0°C will kill the plant. Hence, it is advisable to place the plant in areas with moderate temperatures and protect it from extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements:
The plant requires well-draining soil with good aeration for healthy growth. It can grow in different soil types such as sandy soil, loamy soil, and clayey soil but prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve drainage, water retention, and aeration. The plant can tolerate low soil fertility but responds well to occasional fertilizer applications.
Cultivation
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray, commonly known as Bigelow's monkeyflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Phrymaceae. This plant is native to California, where it grows naturally in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. Cultivating Bigelow's monkeyflower requires mimicking those conditions.
You should plant the seeds in a location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. If you are growing the plant indoors, place it near a sunny window. Outdoor plants should be planted in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the temperature should be between 60°F and 80°F.
Watering needs
Bigelow's monkeyflower prefers moist soil, but can tolerate slightly dry soil. Water the plant moderately during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter. The plant should not be allowed to dry out completely because that can cause root damage.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. If you are growing the plant in a container, fertilize it with a water-soluble fertilizer. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package on how to apply it to avoid overfertilization.
Pruning
To promote bushier growth, prune back the plant after the first flush of blooms. Cut the stems back by half or a third, just above a leaf node or branching point. This will encourage the plant to produce more lateral stems and therefore more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms also encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus
Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus, also known as Bigelow's monkeyflower, is a native perennial herb that thrives in sunny and moist areas. It is often found in rocky or gravelly soils in the southwestern United States, particularly in California and Nevada. If you want to cultivate this plant, there are different propagation methods to choose from depending on your resources and preferences.
Propagating Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus from seeds
One way to propagate Bigelow's monkeyflower is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits that develop after the plant flowers. To enhance germination, the seeds can be stratified in the refrigerator for a few weeks before planting. When ready, they can be sown on a seed-starting mix and kept moist and warm, ideally between 65°F and 75°F. Germination can occur within a week or up to a few months, depending on the conditions and seed viability. Once the seedlings have developed several leaves and a well-established root system, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagating Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus from cuttings
Another propagation method for Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus is through stem cuttings. This approach requires taking a stem segment from a mature plant, typically during the growing season when the plant is actively producing new growth. The stem cutting should have at least two nodes and be around 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and shaded for a few weeks until roots develop. Once the cutting shows signs of new growth, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagating Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus through division
If you already have an established Mimulus bigelovii var. ovatus plant, you can propagate it through division. This method involves digging up the plant, separating the root mass into several sections, and replanting each section in a new location. Make sure each section has a healthy and intact root system and a proportionate amount of top growth. Water the divisions well and monitor their progress until they show signs of new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray
Mimulus bigelovii (Gray) Gray var. ovatus Gray, commonly known as Bigelow's monkeyflower, is a flowering plant native to the southwestern United States. Like any other plant, Bigelow's monkeyflower is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can damage or even kill the plant. Effective disease and pest management is crucial to ensure the health and vitality of your Bigelow's monkeyflower plant.
Common Diseases
Bigelow's monkeyflower is primarily affected by fungal diseases, including rust, powdery mildew, and root rot. Rust causes orange-brown spots on the leaves and stems, while powdery mildew causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Root rot can cause wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant.
Pest Management
The two most common pests that affect Bigelow's monkeyflower are spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the juice out of the leaves, causing discoloration and eventually defoliation. Aphids are small insects that suck the juice out of the leaves and stems, causing wilting and deformation. Both pests can be controlled through regular monitoring and prompt action.
Disease Management
The first step in disease management for Bigelow's monkeyflower is prevention. Proper watering and drainage, adequate sunlight, and good air circulation are essential for healthy plant growth and can prevent the onset of fungal diseases. If fungal diseases do occur, fungicides can be used as a last resort. For root rot, removing the affected plant parts and improving drainage can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Overall, effective disease and pest management for Bigelow's monkeyflower involves regular monitoring, prompt action, and proper preventive measures. With the right care, your Bigelow's monkeyflower can grow healthy and vibrant, adding beauty and color to your garden or landscape.
