Origin and Common Names
Mimulus fremontii (Benth.) Gray var. viscidus (Congd.) Jepson, commonly known as sticky monkey-flower, is a species of perennial herb in the Phrymaceae family. It is native to western North America, especially California, Nevada, and Oregon, and grows at elevations of up to 3,000 meters in moist habitats such as streambanks, meadows, and woodland edges.
Uses
Sticky monkey-flower has a variety of traditional medicinal uses by Native American tribes, including as a topical treatment for wounds, burns, and rashes, as well as for digestive and respiratory ailments. It is sometimes used in contemporary herbal remedies as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental due to its showy flowers, which range in color from yellow to orange or red.
General Appearance
Sticky monkey-flower typically grows to be around 30-90 centimeters tall and has opposite, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 10 centimeters long. The leaves are evergreen and slightly hairy, with a sticky residue on the underside. The flowers grow in clusters at the ends of the stems and are tubular with bright, showy petals. The plant blooms from spring to early summer and is attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Growth Conditions for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Light Requirements: Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus grows best in partial sun to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but will generally produce fewer flowers and have weaker stems in shadier conditions.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to the California region and is adapted to a range of temperatures. However, it generally prefers cool to moderate temperatures in the range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Higher temperatures may cause heat stress and reduce flower production.
Soil Requirements: Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. This plant is adapted to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but prefers soils that are rich and well-draining.
Nutrient Requirements: This plant requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth and flower production. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. In addition, adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can provide additional nutrients and improve soil structure.
Water Requirements: Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus requires consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, or more frequently in hot or dry conditions. It's important to avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Other Growth Conditions: This plant is adapted to a range of growing conditions and can tolerate some level of environmental stress. However, it may be susceptible to pest and disease problems in conditions that are too dry, hot, or humid. Regular monitoring and pest control measures may be necessary to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus is a native of western North America, where it grows in dry, rocky soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some drought. To cultivate this plant, select a location with good drainage and prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
You can propagate Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus by division, cuttings, or seeds. Division is the easiest method, and you can do it in spring or fall. Cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer, and seeds can be sown in autumn or early spring.
Watering Needs for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus is a relatively drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly between each watering.
During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month or less. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it's essential to monitor the soil's moisture level and adjust the watering schedule as needed.
Fertilization for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus does not require heavy feeding, but you can give it a light application of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a well-balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of blooms and make the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Pruning for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require much pruning. However, you should remove dead, damaged, or diseased growth as soon as you see it. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and pests and keep the plant looking its best.
If the plant starts to look untidy or overgrown, prune it lightly after it has finished blooming. This will encourage compact growth and help maintain its shape.
Propagation of Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus can be propagated using several methods, and the most common among them are:
Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and the most common way to propagate Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus. Collect mature and dry seeds during the fall. You can either plant them directly in the soil in the fall or early spring. Sow the seeds on the surface and keep the soil moist. The seeds can take up to 3-4 weeks to germinate, but once they do, they grow quickly. Transplant the seedlings to the desired location once they reach a few inches in height.
Cuttings
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus can also be propagated through cuttings. Take 2-3 inches of cutting from the mother plant during the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area. Once the cuttings grow roots, transplant them to the desired location.
Division
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus can be propagated through division during the early spring. Dig up the root ball of the mother plant and divide it into several sections. Each section should have some roots and a few shoots. Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water them regularly. They will grow into new plants quickly.
Propagation of Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus is relatively easy, and you can use any of these methods to propagate it successfully.
Disease Management for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus is inherently disease resistant, however, it is still prone to certain diseases that can damage the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease is recognizable by small, circular spots on the leaves. The spots enlarge and become brown or black in color, eventually causing the leaves to drop. To manage this disease, rust-infected plant debris should be removed from the area, and copper-based fungicides can be applied.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by over-watering and poor soil drainage. The plant's roots become brown and mushy, and the plant can ultimately die. To manage it, prevention is key. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to reduce the risk of root rot. Plant the Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering the plant.
Pest Management for Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus
The Mimulus fremontii var. viscidus is not commonly affected by pests, but since it is a native plant, it is vulnerable to a few pests which can damage the plant. The most common pests that affect the plant are:
- Spider Mites: These pests suck the plant's juices, causing the foliage to become discolored and stunted. They spin fine webs that become visible when the population is high. To manage spider mites, regular spraying with an insecticide can be done until they are no longer visible.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects feed on plant sap, damage the leaves, and transmit viral diseases. Regular spraying with insecticides will reduce their population significantly.
- Caterpillars: These pests munch on the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance. They can be removed by hand or controlled with pesticides.
