Origin
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant is a flowering plant that is a subspecies of Mimulus guttatus. It is native to western North America, including Canada and the United States, particularly in regions with wet soils such as marshes, stream banks, and wetlands.
Common Names
The common names for this plant include yellow monkeyflower, seep monkeyflower, and smooth monkeyflower.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, including treating headaches, colds, and respiratory issues. Additionally, its leaves and stems can be used to make a yellow dye. In contemporary times, it is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Appearance
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant is a small, herbaceous plant with yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from May to September. The leaves are dark green, oblong to lance-shaped, and hairy on their undersides. It typically grows to be between 10 to 80 cm tall.
Light Requirements
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus thrives in full sun or partial shade. It requires an average of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to photosynthesize efficiently. Exposure to intense sunlight, particularly during midday, might cause leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a cool environment with moderate temperatures ranging from 10-25°C (50-77°F). High temperatures, above 30°C (86°F), might cause dryness and hamper growth while low temperatures, below 0°C (32°F), might freeze and ultimately kill the plant. Moreover, the plant is highly sensitive to frost and should be protected accordingly.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus thrives in well-drained soils with adequate organic matter. The plant favors moist soil conditions with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It also requires soil rich in nitrogen for healthy growth. However, the plant can tolerate rocky or sandy soils as long as they receive sufficient nutrients and moisture. It is worth noting that the plant might suffer from root rot in poorly-drained soils.
Cultivation of Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant can be grown either in containers or in the garden. If you wish to plant it in the garden, make sure the soil is moist, fertile, and well-draining. If you prefer container planting, choose a large container with drainage holes. Use a soilless potting mix that allows for good air circulation. The best time to plant it is in spring, after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant prefers to be consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely between watering, because that can lead to wilted and stunted growth. Water the plant deeply once a week or more often as needed, depending on rainfall and temperature.
Fertilization
Fertilize Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant every month with a general-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and apply it to the soil around the plant, not on the foliage. Be careful not to over-fertilize, because that can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus (Greene ex Rydb.) A.L. Grant. However, if you want to rejuvenate an old or leggy plant, you can cut it back by one-third in early spring. Pinching the tips of young plants when they are 4-6 inches tall will help to create a fuller, bushier plant. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus, commonly known as yellow monkeyflower, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. This plant thrives in moist and shady areas like meadows, streambanks, and wetlands and can grow up to a height of 60 cm.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate yellow monkeyflower is through seeds. Collect the ripe seeds from the plant in late summer or early fall when the seed pods turn brown. After collecting the seeds, leave them in a dry place for a few days to allow them to dry fully.
Plant the seeds in a seedling tray or directly to the garden soil in spring, after the last frost. However, it's advisable to start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost to give them enough time to grow. This method is recommended for gardeners who want to grow the plant in large quantities.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate yellow monkeyflower is through stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cut from the parent plant and trim off the lower leaves. Dip the stem cut in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot with a mixture of sand and peat moss.
Water the plant sufficiently and place it under indirect sunlight or in a shady area. After three to four weeks, the plant should have taken root. The best time to do this is in early spring, just before the plant resumes growth.
Division Propagation
Yellow monkeyflower can also be propagated through division, which involves separating the root clumps of an older plant into two or more new parts. It is advisable to do this in early spring or fall before the plant starts to flower.
Dig up the root clumps carefully and divide them into two or three parts using a sharp and sterilized knife. Plant the separated parts in separate pots or directly in their new location, making sure they get enough water and are placed in a shade area.
Propagation of Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus is an easy and straightforward process that can be achieved through seed propagation, cuttings propagation, or division propagation.
Disease Management
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus is prone to various diseases, but the most common ones are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery mildew:
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that covers the upper part of the leaf with a white powdery substance. It is common in high humidity and low air-circulation conditions. To manage it, remove the affected plant parts and improve the air-circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot:
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular dead spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown or black. To manage it, remove the affected parts of the plant and maintain the moisture level in the soil. Fungicides can also be used, but it is better to prevent the occurrence of the disease by practicing good hygiene while handling the plant.
Root rot:
Root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of the plant. To manage it, remove the affected plant and inspect the roots. If they are mushy and black, discard the soil and sterilize the pot before replanting. Use well-draining soil and avoid over-watering the plant.
Pest Management
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus is also prone to pest infestations, and the following are the most common pests:
Aphids:
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied, green insects that infest the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. To manage them, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids.
Spider mites:
Spider mites are tiny pests that are usually found on the underside of the leaves. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage them, increase the humidity around the plant by spraying water on the leaves or placing a humidifier near the plant. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant and avoid over-fertilizing.
Whiteflies:
Whiteflies are small, white insects that infest the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to control their population.
With proper disease and pest management, Mimulus guttatus DC. var. puberulus can thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
