Plant Description
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray, commonly known as the sticky monkeyflower, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. This plant is native to North America and is found in the western United States, particularly in California, Nevada, and Oregon. It typically grows in damp soil in areas such as meadows, stream banks, and mountain slopes.
The sticky monkeyflower can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a rounded and bushy shape. It has stems that are densely covered with short, glandular hairs that give the plant a sticky texture. The leaves are simple with an oval shape and have a sticky surface due to glandular hairs. The flowers of the plant are trumpet-shaped with five lobes and can be pink, red, or purple. They bloom from April to August.
Common Names
In addition to the sticky monkeyflower, Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray is known by several other common names. These include red-stemmed monkeyflower, red monkeyflower, and scarlet monkeyflower. The name "monkeyflower" is derived from the resemblance of the flower to a monkey's face.
Uses
The sticky monkeyflower has several traditional medicinal uses by indigenous tribes. The Navajo traditionally used the leaves and flowers to treat earaches, while the Ohlone tribe used the plant as a poultice for cuts and bruises. The plant has also been used to treat respiratory ailments, including tuberculosis and bronchitis.
As an ornamental plant, the sticky monkeyflower is often used in landscaping and is an attractive addition to a wildlife garden due to its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The sticky monkeyflower is also used as an indicator species for riparian habitat health. Its sensitivity to stream channel changes and water quality variation makes it a valuable marker for the health of a stream ecosystem.
Light Requirements
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. It is important to provide the plant with ample sunlight to encourage healthy growth. The plant can also tolerate some partial shade but should not be placed in full shade.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Cooler temperatures might affect the growth of the plant, and extended exposure to freezing temperatures can be harmful. As such, the plant is best suited for areas with mild temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining or even sandy, with good aeration. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 8.0. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter. Regularly amending the soil with compost and other organic matter can help improve its fertility and nutrient content.
Cultivation
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray, also known as the sticky monkeyflower, is native to North America and is typically found in wet areas such as streambanks, wetlands, and meadows. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to provide conditions that mimic its natural habitat.
Plant the sticky monkeyflower in moist, well-drained soil in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. This plant prefers wet conditions, so ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid planting in areas with high winds, as its delicate flowers and foliage can be easily damaged.
Watering Needs
The sticky monkeyflower requires consistent moisture to thrive. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil's moisture level. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. In drier months, increase the frequency of watering, and mist the foliage regularly to increase humidity levels.
Fertilization
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks to encourage healthy growth and vibrant flowers. Alternatively, you can use slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of the planting season. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning helps promote bushier growth and increases flowering. The best time to prune the sticky monkeyflower is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead or damaged foliage and thin out the older stems to make room for new growth.
Additionally, cutting back the plant after the first round of blooming promotes another round of flowering in late summer or early fall. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
Propagation of Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray, commonly known as purple monkeyflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray can be sown directly onto the soil during the spring season. The seeds should be planted shallowly, with a recommended depth of ¼ inch. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their true leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another common method of propagating Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray. Cuttings should be taken during the summer season, and they should be approximately three to six inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and plant the stem cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until the cutting has developed roots, and then gradually decrease the amount of water given to the plant.
Propagation by Division
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray can also be propagated through division. The ideal time for division is during the early spring or early fall. To divide the plant, gently dig it up from the soil and separate the clumps. Be sure that each clump has a healthy root system and replant each division to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes tan to dark brown, sunken lesions on leaves and stems. Leaves may also become distorted or twisted. To manage, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and apply fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage, provide adequate air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
- Botrytis blight: A fungal disease that causes a gray mold to develop on flowers, stems, and leaves. To manage, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray is also vulnerable to several pests, including:
- Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage, spray plants with a strong jet of water, release natural predators, and apply insecticides if necessary.
- Spider mites: Tiny, spider-like pests that suck sap from plants, causing leaves to appear stippled or discolored. To manage, spray plants with a strong jet of water, release natural predators, and apply insecticides if necessary.
- Thrips: Small, slender insects that feed on plant juices, causing leaves to appear discolored or distorted. To manage, remove and destroy infected plant parts, release natural predators, and apply insecticides if necessary.
Regularly inspecting Mimulus glutinosus J.C. Wendl. var. puniceus (Nutt.) Gray for signs of disease and pests, and taking appropriate management measures can help to ensure a healthy and thriving plant.
