Overview
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is a plant species that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. This species is also known as Narrowleaf Monkeyflower. It is endemic to North America, specifically found in the western part of the United States and Mexico.
General Appearance
The Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is an herbaceous perennial plant. It has narrow, pointed, and elongated leaves that are around 7-15 centimeters in length. The flowers of this species are bright-yellow in color and have a tubular shape. The Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant can reach a height of up to 1 meter.
Common Names
The Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is commonly known as Narrowleaf Monkeyflower or Pointed-Leaf Monkeyflower. It is also sometimes called Desert Monkeyflower.
Uses
The Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is used for medicinal purposes by some Native American tribes. The plant was used traditionally as a poultice for skin rashes and wounds. The flowers were also used as an ingredient in several traditional medicines to cure stomach ailments. Nowadays, this species is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens due to the bright and attractive flowers.
Light Requirements:
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is a plant that prefers bright light. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with hot summers, but it generally does best in full sun. Exposing it to at least six hours of direct sunlight per day can help ensure proper growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to areas with relatively cool temperatures, so it does best in areas with an average temperature of 60-70°F. In its native environment, it often experiences a wide range of temperatures, including cool nights. While it can tolerate temperatures up to 80°F, higher temperatures can cause problems such as leaf scorch and reduced growth. Additionally, it is important to protect this plant from frost during the winter months.
Soil Requirements:
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0-7.2. It prefers soils with good fertility and moisture retention, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil types as long as they drain well and do not become waterlogged. Adding organic material to the soil can help improve the soil structure and fertility, which can support better plant growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant thrives in well-draining soils with moderate moisture content. To cultivate this plant, choose a location with partial to full sunlight exposure and fertile soil. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Propagation can be achieved through stem cuttings or seed. If using stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch segment from a non-flowering stem, remove the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in partial shade for a week to encourage root growth. If using seed, scatter them on top of the prepared soil and cover with a light layer of soil.
Watering Needs
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant requires moderate watering. Ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. A good practice is to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. During hot weather, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
It is essential to feed Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant with a balanced fertilizer regularly to encourage healthy growth and flower production. You can feed the plant monthly or every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in phosphorous.
Pruning
Pruning of Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant can be done after the flowering season in late fall or winter. Deadhead the plant to remove spent blooms and encourage new growth. Cut back any overgrown stems and remove any diseased or damaged leaves.
Propagation of Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant, commonly known as yellow monkeyflower, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the genus Mimulus. It produces yellow flowers and thrives in well-draining soils. There are different methods of propagating this plant, and they include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is by seed. It is relatively easy to grow the plant from seed. Collect seeds from the plant and scatter them in a prepared bed. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and moist. The seeds will germinate within a few weeks of planting. Thin out seedlings to ensure optimum growth and flowering.
Division
Another method of propagating Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant is by division. Divide the plant during its dormant season, which is usually in the autumn. Carefully dig out the plant, separate the roots and cut back the stems. Replant the divided sections in a prepared bed. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and moist. Water the divided sections regularly until they establish themselves.
Cuttings
Propagation of Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant can also be done by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the early autumn. Use a sharp blade to cut about 4 inches from the stem of a healthy plant. Pinch off the lower leaves and plant in a prepared bed. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and moist. Keep the cuttings in a shaded area and moist until they establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but certain conditions can make them prone to different kinds of pathogens and bugs.
Common Diseases Affecting Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant
Although the plant is known for its strong resistance to disease, they might occasionally contract root rot, which is usually the result of soil-borne pathogens such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium.
Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant can also suffer from powdery mildew and downy mildew. Powdery mildew can coat the leaves with a white or greyish powder, which can prevent sunlight from reaching the leaves, causing them to turn yellow, curl, and die. Meanwhile, downy mildew tends to target the lower leaves of the plant and can cause them to die or stunt growth.
Pest Management Strategies for Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant
Common pests that can attack Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant include spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, and aphids. Spider mites can be dealt with by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Beneficial bugs like ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to feed on spider mites. Whiteflies, aphids, and thrips can be managed with the use of insecticides or biological controls such as nematodes or parasitic wasps.
To prevent the occurrence of diseases, avoid planting the Mimulus floribundus Lindl. var. subulatus A.L. Grant in areas where pathogen residues are present. Ensure adequate water supply and limit overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Promote air circulation by spacing out the plants to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to fungal infections.
