Origin
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. rutilus A.L. Grant, commonly known as the scarlet monkeyflower, is native to western North America. It can be found along streams, in wet meadows, and in other moist habitats in California and Oregon.
Common Names
Scarlet monkeyflower, tall yellow monkeyflower, and long-spurred monkeyflower are some of the common names of Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has long, tubular, bright red to orange flowers with yellow throats. The leaves are dark green and up to 9 cm long. The stem is green to reddish-brown and slightly hairy.
Uses
Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans. The plant was used to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, sore throats, and infections. The flowers are also popular among hummingbirds, making the plant a good addition to a wildlife garden.
Light Requirements
Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight per day, but it prefers to be sheltered from the intense afternoon sun. It can also grow in areas with diffuse light such as under the canopy of trees or a lattice.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from below freezing up to 30°C. However, it prefers temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. In areas where there is a risk of frost, it is best to protect the plant with mulch or by covering it with fabric during the cold nights.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in many types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it requires soil that is moist but not waterlogged. An ideal mixture of soil would be a mix of sand and peat to ensure good drainage while maintaining moistness.
Cultivation Methods
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. rutilus A.L. Grant or more commonly known as the long-flowered monkey flower thrives in full sun and partial shade. It is best grown in well-draining, moist soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Planting is typically done during the spring, and the soil must be kept moist throughout the growing season.
Propagation can be done by seed or cuttings. Sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date, and transplant when the seedlings are big enough to handle. Cuttings can be taken during the growing season and planted in a mixture of peat and perlite. They should root in 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted once the roots are established.
Watering Needs
The long-flowered monkey flower prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Watering frequency may vary depending on the climate, but it is generally recommended to water deeply once a week. During hot and dry weather, it may be necessary to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels.
Fertilization
Long-flowered monkey flower plants do not require much fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer during the early spring is enough to supplement their growth. However, too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning long-flowered monkey flower plants is not necessary but can help to control their spread and shape. It is recommended to pinch back stems during the early spring to encourage bushiness and to remove spent flowers to promote continued blooming. If the plant becomes too leggy, it can be cut back near the base to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus
Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division. Propagation by seeds is the most common method and it is relatively easy to accomplish. Cuttings and division are also effective methods and are useful for producing plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Propagation by Seeds
To propagate Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus by seeds, it is important to collect the seeds at the right stage of maturity. The seeds should be harvested when the seed pods have turned brown and are starting to open. After collecting the seeds, they should be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season. When it is time to plant the seeds, they should be placed on a well-draining soil mix in a container. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination occurs.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus by cuttings is best done in the spring or early summer when the new growth is just starting to emerge. It is important to take cuttings from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the plant. After taking the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, place the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they start producing roots.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Mimulus longiflorus var. rutilus by division is done by separating the parent plant into smaller sections. This method is best done in the spring or early fall when the plant is not actively growing. To divide the plant, dig up the root ball and gently separate the sections using a sharp knife or garden tool. Each section should have enough roots and foliage to survive on its own. The divided sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. rutilus A.L. Grant is typically a low-maintenance plant. However, it can sometimes develop diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage the disease, it's essential to keep the plant dry and reduce humidity. Moreover, pruning plants can help improve air circulation, and using fungicides can control powdery mildew.
- Rust: Rust presents as brown or reddish spots on the leaves and stems. To manage rust, prune off and destroy affected plant parts, improve air circulation, and maintain high moisture levels.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease appears as brown or gray spots on plant leaves and flowers and can cause complete defoliation in severe cases. To manage botrytis blight, it is essential to maintain adequate plant spacing, which ensures proper air circulation to promote drying, and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
There are some pests that can also affect Mimulus longiflorus. They include:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow. To manage spider mites, regularly remove and destroy affected leaves. Additionally, use organic insecticides to control their spread.
- Thrips: These pests cause silver coloration or stippling on the upper portion of the plant leaves and deformities in flowers. To manage thrips, ensure proper drainage to remove any excess moisture, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and follow recommended cultural practices that keep the plant healthy.
- Whiteflies: These pests are small, white, and fly in large numbers when disturbed. They can cause leaves to yellow and wilt. To manage whiteflies, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, accompany cultural practices that include removing infected leaves, pruning, and reducing humidity levels.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your Mimulus longiflorus (Nutt.) A.L. Grant var. rutilus A.L. Grant for diseases and pests is vital to keep the plant healthy. Always use appropriate preventive measures that encourage in the discouragement of diseases and pests.
