Origin and Common Names
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell, commonly known as the crippled monkeyflower, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Phrymaceae. It is native to San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties in California, USA.
General Appearance
The crippled monkeyflower is a small, perennial herb that grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It has soft, hairy stems that are green or reddish in color. The leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and serrated, measuring up to 1.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers are tubular and trumpet-shaped, with bright red petals and a yellow or white throat. They bloom from April to July and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Uses
The crippled monkeyflower has limited horticultural use due to its small size and preference for specific growing conditions. However, it is a rare and endangered plant species that is protected under the Endangered Species Act. It grows naturally in rocky areas and cliffs near streams and springs, and its presence is an indicator of pristine watersheds. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, seed collection, and research on habitat restoration.
Light Requirements
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers partial shade during the hottest part of the day. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing under the partial shade of trees and shrubs.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to mountainous areas of Southern California, so it is adapted to cool and moist conditions. However, it can also survive in warmer temperatures up to 80°F. The plant is not well adapted to temperature extremes, so it should be protected from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus. It requires moist soil, and excessive moisture can cause root rot. Sandy or loamy soils are best suited for this plant, with a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5. It is also recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve moisture retention.
Cultivation Methods
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell is primarily native to western North America and is commonly referred to as the short-style yellow monkeyflower. It commonly grows in sandy or gravelly areas, so it's essential to replicate these growing conditions when cultivating it. This plant thrives in locations with full sunlight or partial shade. It grows well in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets and requires well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
The Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell requires consistent watering to ensure it retains moisture in the soil. The plant needs regular watering, typically once a day during hot weather or the summer months. However, it's crucial to avoid overwatering, ensuring the soil is moist but not soaked. The plant should be watered in the morning or evening when the soil is cooler, and the heat of the sun does not evaporate the moisture too soon.
Fertilization
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell requires minimal amounts of fertilization. It's best to fertilize the plant once or twice a month, but only during the growing season, which is typically in the spring or summer months. An all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer is most suitable for this plant, though it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the amount to use. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth, burnt foliage, and stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell healthy and attractive. The plant should be pruned in the fall or winter to remove all dead and damaged foliage and to prevent mold and mildew from forming. When pruning, it's essential to use clean and sharp tools to avoid contaminating the plant. Additionally, pinching the growing tips of the Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus can encourage bushier and thicker growth, leading to a more compact plant with more blooms. Deadheading or removing the spent blooms can also encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell, commonly known as the Golden Monkeyflower, is a California native plant that typically grows near streams and damp areas. Fortunately, propagating this plant doesn't require much effort, as it can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation through seeds
Golden Monkeyflowers can be propagated through seeds that are usually produced after the plant has flowered. The seeds have a hard coating, so some gardeners recommend scarifying them by rubbing them gently with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water for several hours before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. It's best to plant the seeds in the fall or early spring when temperatures are cooler. Germination can take up to four weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
Another way to propagate Golden Monkeyflowers is through stem cuttings. Take 3-4 inch long stem cuttings from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it in a soilless potting mix or a mixture of perlite and peat moss in a pot. Water the cutting and place a clear plastic bag over it to retain moisture and promote faster rooting. Keep the cutting in a warm and bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Once the cutting has rooted, which usually takes 4-8 weeks, it can be transplanted in a larger container or in the ground.
Propagation through division
Golden Monkeyflowers can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in the fall or early spring. Dig out the plant, and separate the root ball into pieces, making sure each piece has several stems and roots attached to it. Plant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly.
Once you have propagated your Golden Monkeyflowers, give them the correct care, and they'll reward you with stunning golden flowers that bloom from spring to early summer.
Disease Management
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Fungal Leaf Spots – Fungi such as Cercospora and Phyllosticta cause small, circular spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely. To control fungal leaf spots, remove and dispose of infected plant parts and avoid watering the plant late in the day.
- Rust – Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow rust-colored bumps on the underside of the leaves. It can cause defoliation and stunted growth in severe cases. Remove and destroy infected leaves and apply a fungicide to protect the plant from further infection.
- Verticillium Wilt – This soil-borne fungus can cause yellowing of leaves, wilting, and ultimately, death of the plant. There aren't any chemical treatments for Verticillium wilt. As a preventive measure, avoid planting the same plant family in the same soil where an infected plant once grew.
Pest Management
Mimulus rattanii Gray ssp. decurtatus (A.L. Grant) Pennell is resistant to most pests, but a few can still cause trouble:
- Aphids – Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck plant sap from tender, young shoots. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts fungal growth. Washing the plant with a strong blast of water can dislodge them. Applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils can also be effective.
- Spider Mites – Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of the leaves. They are more common in hot and dry conditions. You can remove them by spraying the plant with water and wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used if the infestation is severe.
