Overview of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the family Phrymaceae. This species is commonly known as the square-stemmed monkey flower and is native to North America, specifically found in wetland habitats in the eastern and midwestern United States and southern Canada. It is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
General Appearance of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens is a clump-forming plant that grows to a height of two to four feet and a spread of 18-36 inches. The plant commonly has square, hollow stems that have a distinctive purplish-brown coloration. Its leaves are opposite, simple, and rough-textured, measuring 1 to 4 inches long and 1/2 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are typically dark green in color, but some could have a bronze or purple tint.
The flower clusters or racemes of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens are terminal, straight, or curved, consisting of numerous blooms that extend outwards from the stem in a radial pattern. The blooms are two-lipped with a distinctively-shaped corolla, which varies in color from light purple to deep blue. The flowers have a long, curved stamen, giving them a distinctive appearance. The flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Uses of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens
The square-stemmed monkey flower is commonly used in landscaping designs and wildlife gardens due to its attractive, showy blooms and its ability to attract pollinators. It is also used as a medicinal plant in herbal remedies for various ailments such as respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin irritations.
Native American tribes have used parts of the plant —including leaves, stems, and roots as an herbal medicine. They brewed the plant into a decoction to treat fevers, coughs, and sore throats, and applied it topically as an ointment or poultice to wounds, bruises, burns, and other skin issues.
Overall, Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens is a versatile, attractive plant that provides value to both humans and the ecosystem.
Light Requirements
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens, commonly known as Allegheny monkeyflower, grows best in partial shade to full sun. It prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day but can also tolerate some shade. Too much shade may result in weak stems and pale leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool temperatures ranging from 60-70°F (15.5-21°C). It can tolerate hot temperatures up to 85°F (29°C) but may require more frequent watering to prevent wilting. In cold climates, it may die back to the ground in the winter but regrow in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 5.5-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but performs best in moist loamy soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and drainage.
Cultivation
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens, commonly referred to as Allegheny monkey flower, prefers growing in a well-draining, moist soil and a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 but can survive in zone 9 with enough moisture and partial shade.
Watering Needs
To maintain healthy growth, Allegheny monkey flower requires evenly moist soil. Therefore, it is vital to water it frequently during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Watering the plant once every two days should be sufficient, but it's essential to adjust the frequency based on the prevailing weather conditions and the soil's moisture content.
Fertilization
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens thrives in nutrient-rich soil, and fertilizers can help achieve this. Use a light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, in early spring, doubling the feed rate after the first flush of flowers fades. To avoid burning the plant, water it beforehand, apply the fertilizer, and then water it again.
Pruning
Allegheny monkey flower, like most perennials, undergoes periodic pruning to manage the plant size and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens is during the early spring season before the start of new growth. Simply cutting back the previous year's growth to the ground should suffice. Avoid pruning the plant too harshly as this can stunt the growth or result in the death of the plant.
Propagation of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens
Propagation of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens can be done using both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens are very small and should be surface-sown on moist soil and not covered with soil. The seeds need light to germinate, so cover them with a clear plastic wrap to allow light to enter. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks. Once they have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into separate pots or moved to the garden.
Propagation by cuttings
The best time to take cuttings from Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of stems that are not flowering. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least two to three pairs of leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, mist them, and cover with a clear plastic bag. Keep the soil moist and wait for several weeks for the cuttings to develop roots. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cuttings into separate pots or move to the garden.
Propagation of Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens by cuttings is faster than propagation by seeds, and the resulting plants will be identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens, commonly known as Allegheny monkeyflower, can experience fungal diseases and bacterial infections. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects the plant. This disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Bacterial wilt is another common disease that affects Mimulus ringens. Bacterial wilt appears as a yellowing of the plant's leaves, which can spread to the stems and flowers.
It is important to manage these diseases to ensure healthy growth and vitality of the plant. The following steps can be taken to manage diseases:
- Regularly prune the plant to remove any infected or diseased areas
- Remove and destroy any infected plant debris
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of fungal spores
- Apply a fungicide as directed on the label to prevent or control fungal diseases
- Apply a bactericide to control bacterial infections
Pest Management
Mimulus ringens can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking out plant sap, which can result in stunted growth and distorted leaves.
The following steps can be taken to manage pests:
- Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests
- Remove and destroy any infected plant material
- Control the population of pests with the use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil
- Controls spider mites with the use of neem oil
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure your Mimulus ringens L. var. ringens remains healthy and free of disease and pests.
