Origin
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. calycinus (Eastw.) A.L. Grant, commonly known as the Southern Monkeyflower, is a plant species belonging to the family Phrymaceae. It is native to southwestern North America and can be found in various states, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Common Names
As stated earlier, Mimulus longiflorus is commonly known as the Southern Monkeyflower, and the varietal epithet "calycinus" is derived from its calyx, which is the flower's outer part. It can also be called the Longflower Mimulus.
Uses
The Southern Monkeyflower is an aesthetically pleasing plant that can be grown in gardens and has commercial value in the nursery trade. It attracts pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees, due to its brightly colored flowers, making it a suitable plant for ecological restoration projects.
Furthermore, the plant has been traditionally used by the Native Americans to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and external wounds.
General Appearance
The Southern Monkeyflower typically grows up to 3 feet tall and forms a clump-like structure from which stems its narrowly oval and hairy light-green leaves. The plant's inflorescence is characterized by bright red or pink funnel-shaped flowers that are about 1 inch long and have a yellow spot at the base of the throat. These flowers bloom from spring to fall, and their scent is somewhat pungent.
Mimulus longiflorus prefers full sun or partial shade and moist soil conditions; however, it can thrive in less favorable conditions. It does well in a variety of soils, including sand, clay, and loam.
Light Requirements
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. calycinus (Eastw.) A.L. Grant thrives in areas with full sun exposure or partial shade. In the wild, it is commonly found growing along stream banks and in shaded areas of dry forests. To mimic similar conditions, it is ideal to provide it with partial shade in hotter regions with temperatures over 90°F.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to areas with temperate and hot climates in North America and requires warm temperatures to grow. It is best suited to grow in areas with temperature ranges of 65°F to 85°F during the day and 55°F to 65°F during the night. Temperatures below 50°F can cause it to be damaged or even killed.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining soils that are high in organic matter and are moist. To ensure adequate drainage, incorporate sand and small rocks to the soil before planting. Additionally, the soil's pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of 6.5 to 7.0 being optimal. Adding compost or manure to the soil can supply additional nutrients and improve the soil structure.
Cultivation methods
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. calycinus (Eastw.) A.L. Grant is a plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. To cultivate this plant, you should begin by preparing the soil by loosening it, removing debris, and adding compost or other organic matter. You can propagate this plant through seeds or cuttings, but the latter is often the easiest.Watering Needs
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. calycinus (Eastw.) A.L. Grant has moderate water needs. It requires consistent moisture, but it can't tolerate waterlogged conditions. You must irrigate the plant regularly but keep away from overwatering. It is recommendable to water the plant when the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch. It is essential to water the plant during the growing period, which is typically spring and summer. In contrast, it requires less water during the dormant period, which is typically during the fall and winter.Fertilization
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. calycinus (Eastw.) A.L. Grant requires regular feeding during the growing season. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer every two to three months to ensure optimal growth and development. You can also dissolve a slow-release fertilizer in water and apply it to the plant monthly.Pruning
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. calycinus (Eastw.) A.L. Grant does not require frequent pruning. However, you can remove dead or damaged branches and trim back long or leggy stems to maintain a compact and bushy shape. You can carry out the pruning process anytime throughout the year, but the best period to trim it is in early spring before the plant begins its growing period. By doing this, you will stimulate new growth before the flowering period.Propagation of Mimulus longiflorus var. calycinus
Mimulus longiflorus var. calycinus can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation via seeds
Seeds of Mimulus longiflorus var. calycinus can be collected from the plant in late summer or fall when the capsules ripen and turn brown. The seeds must be sown immediately as they have a short shelf life. The seeds can be sown in a seed tray or a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The tray or pot can be covered with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to increase humidity and retain moisture. The seeds usually germinate in 7-14 days under proper conditions.
Propagation via cuttings
Mimulus longiflorus var. calycinus can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to increase humidity. The cuttings usually root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted to a bigger pot or to the garden.
Propagation via division
The plant can also be propagated through division in early spring before the plant starts to grow actively. The plant can be dug up and divided into smaller clumps, making sure that each clump has a portion of the root system. The divided clumps can be planted in a well-draining potting mix or directly to the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimulus longiflorus var. calycinus
Mimulus longiflorus var. calycinus, commonly known as the Southern Monkeyflower, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Proper disease and pest management practices can help minimize the effect of these threats and keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Southern Monkeyflower is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stem of the plant. To manage this, one can use a mixture of organic neem oil and water, or a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with water and spray it on the affected areas.
Another prevalent disease that affects M. longiflorus var. calycinus is rust, a fungal infection that often causes orange, yellow, or red-colored pustules on the leaves and the undersides as well. Early detection and removal of the infected leaves can halt the spread of rust. One can also use copper fungicides to manage this disease.
Common Pests
The Southern Monkeyflower can also be affected by various pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids can be controlled by introducing ladybugs, lacewing, or by applying insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be controlled by maintaining high humidity levels and by introducing predators like Phytoseiulus persimilis. Whiteflies can also be controlled by introducing predators like Encarsia formosa, or by using yellow sticky traps to catch and kill them.
M. longiflorus var. calycinus can also be affected by snails and slugs. Beer traps, iron phosphate bait, copper barriers, and handpicking can help manage these pests.
Overall, proper sanitation practices such as removing dead or infected plant material, maintaining proper irrigation, and providing adequate sunlight can help prevent and manage diseases and pests in the Southern Monkeyflower.
