Overview of Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley is a perennial plant that belongs to the Phrymaceae family. This plant is native to North America, particularly in the western regions of the United States and Canada.
Common names of Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley
This plant is commonly known as the alpine monkeyflower or primrose monkeyflower. It got its name because of its physical appearance, which resembles a monkey's face. Other common names for this plant include yellow monkeyflower, western yellow monkeyflower, and primrose monkeyflower.
Appearance of Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley
The alpine monkeyflower is a small plant that typically grows up to 10 centimeters in height. Its leaves are around 2-4 centimeters long, and the plant features bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. The stems of the alpine monkeyflower are usually hairy, and the plant prefers to grow in moist, high-elevation areas, such as meadows, rocky slopes, and stream banks.
Uses for Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley
The alpine monkeyflower has several uses in traditional medicine, particularly among Native American tribes. The plant contains alkaloids that have been used to treat various illnesses such as sore throats and stomach aches. The alpine monkeyflower also attracts pollinators, making it a popular plant for gardens and landscaping. Lastly, the plant has aesthetic uses because of its bright yellow flowers. It is a favorite among gardeners because it adds color to landscapes and grows well in shaded areas.
Light Requirements
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley is a shade-loving plant and requires partial shade to grow well. Exposure to full sunlight for prolonged periods can cause leaf scorching and wilting. Thus, it is recommended to grow this plant in areas that receive filtered sunlight or areas with a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers cool temperatures ranging from 10-24°C. The ideal temperature range for its growth is 15-20°C. In summers, it is recommended to protect this plant from direct sunlight, heat, and dehydration. High temperatures can cause wilting and damage to the plant's root system. During winters, it is important to protect this plant from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic in nature. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant can't tolerate water stagnation. The recommended pH level for its growth is 5.5-6.5. This plant grows best in soils that have a high water holding capacity, which provides the necessary nutrients for its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus is a plant species that thrives in moist soil and partial shade. It is best to propagate the plant through seed sowing. You can plant the seeds directly into pots or plant them outside in early spring. Seedling emergence typically takes two to three weeks. The plant roots should not be allowed to dry out, or they may perish. It is recommended to use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. You may also mix the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to the success of the Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not too wet or soggy. You should pay attention to the plant's leaves to determine when it needs water as they will wilt slightly and lose their shine. It is good practice to water the plant deeply and infrequently rather than watering it lightly and frequently. During the summer months, you may have to water it more frequently than during the cooler months.
Fertilization
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus does not require a lot of fertilization. However, it would help if you fertilized it once a month during the growing season with high-quality, balanced fertilizer. To prevent root burn, you should avoid over-fertilizing the plant. It is essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to ensure the plant receives the appropriate nutrients. A good organic option is fish emulsion, which will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to thrive.
Pruning
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus does not require much pruning, but it is good practice to prune it back after it has finished flowering. You can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to become bushier and produce more flowers. Pinching back the plant's tips is particularly important if you want to prevent the plant from becoming tall and leggy. Also, if you notice any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, you should remove them immediately, cutting them back to the base of the plant. Removing any diseased stems will help to prevent the spread of any fungi or bacteria.
Propagation of Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley, also known as Alplains yellow monkeyflower, is a herbaceous perennial commonly found in the high-elevation meadows and rocky slopes of the Rockies and surrounding mountain ranges in the United States. Propagation of the plant can be done through several methods.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and the most common method of propagation of Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley is from seeds during spring or early summer. The seed is sown directly in the garden where it will grow, as the plant is not transplant friendly. The soil should be rich in organic matter and moist, but not too wet. Lightly press the seed into the soil without covering it, as it requires light to germinate. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to four weeks.
Division of roots
Propagation of Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley can also be done by dividing the roots of an existing plant, especially when the plant is well established. Dig up the plant gently and divide the roots into smaller clumps. Ensure each clump has roots and at least one part of the stem and replant in a well-prepared bed.
Cuttings
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus (Greene) Smiley can be propagated by taking cuttings from the parent plant in early summer when the plant is in active growth. Cut a 3-4 inch section of the stem and remove all but one or two leaves from the lower part of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth and insert it into a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded location until it develops new roots and new leaves, which can take a few weeks.
Disease Management
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus is susceptible to various diseases that can degrade the plant's health and productivity. Proper disease management strategies help control the diseases and prevent further infections. The following are common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Powdery mildew
This disease is common in dry weather conditions, and it appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, which might cause the leaves to fall. You can control powdery mildew by spraying the plant with an appropriate fungicide. Ensure you follow the application guide provided to avoid further damage to the plant. Additionally, keep the plants healthy by avoiding too much relative humidity and avoiding overcrowding.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot appears as small spots on the leaves, which later enlarge to form bigger ones. The spots are common in wet conditions, and they might hinder the plant's growth if not controlled. You can control this disease by reducing humidity levels around the plants, avoiding overhead watering, and practicing crop rotation.
Pest Management
Mimulus primuloides Benth. var. pilosellus is also prone to pest infestations, which might harm the plant and reduce its productivity. Proper pest management strategies help control pests and minimize plant damage. The following are common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites attack the plant by sucking sap from it, leaving it weak. You can control spider mites by washing the plant's leaves with a strong water stream, applying insecticidal soap, and using a miticide if necessary. Additionally, keep the soil moist and avoid exposing the plant to hot and dry conditions.
Thrips
Thrips cause damage by damaging plant tissues and sucking sap. You can control thrips by applying insecticidal soaps and oils, increasing humidity levels around the plants, and practicing cleanliness measures around the garden. Additionally, the application of a sticky trap can be useful in monitoring the thrips population and other insects' infestations.
