Origin
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus (Congd.) A.L. Grant, commonly known as sticky monkeyflower, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Phrymaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in California, where it can be commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and chaparral habitats.
Common Names
Aside from sticky monkeyflower, this plant also goes by other common names such as Congdon's mimulus or Congdon's monkeyflower, in reference to the botanist and naturalist, Charles E. Congdon, who first described the plant in 1893.
Uses
Sticky monkeyflower has been used traditionally by Native American tribes such as the Coast Miwok and Pomo for medicinal purposes, specifically to treat eye infections, coughs, and fevers. The Zuni tribe also used the plant for spiritual and ceremonial purposes such as in rain-making ceremonies. In addition, some horticulturists include sticky monkeyflower as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its striking yellow flowers and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are pointed at the ends and slightly sticky to the touch. The flowers of the plant are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, with each flower having five lobes and a tubular shape. The color of the flowers varies from yellow to orange-red. The fruit of the plant is a capsule containing small seeds.
Light Requirements
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus (Congd.) A.L. Grant has a preference for full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day but can also tolerate some periods of shade. It thrives in open, sunny areas with well-drained soils and is commonly found growing in rocky slopes, meadows, and along streams.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well-suited for growing in areas with a temperate climate. It prefers cool to warm temperatures ranging from 13 to 25°C (55 to 77°F). During its active growing season, which typically lasts from spring to early summer, it requires consistent moisture and mild temperatures. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, such as frost, which can damage or even kill it.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus (Congd.) A.L. Grant requires well-draining soils with a pH level of 5.0 to 7.0. In addition to good drainage, the soil should be nutrient-rich and slightly moist to promote healthy plant growth. Adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can be helpful in improving soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation of Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus, commonly known as the sticky monkey-flower, is a beautiful perennial plant with stunning yellow blooms. It is easy to cultivate, and the following guidelines will help you grow a healthy and lovely plant.
Planting Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is moist and does well in full sun or partial shade. It can also tolerate extreme weather conditions, such as drought and high temperatures, making it an ideal plant for low maintenance gardens. The plant should be planted in the early spring to allow it enough time to establish roots before the summer heat.
Watering Needs
Sticky monkey-flower requires moderate watering, especially during prolonged dry spells. Water the plant deeply, ensuring that the soil gets moist but is not waterlogged. To prevent water-logging, you can add compost to the soil to improve drainage. The plant's watering needs reduce in the winter when it enters a dormant stage.
Fertilization
The plant doesn't require much fertilization and can do well even in poor soils. Add compost to the soil before planting to give the plant an initial boost, and this should be enough for the plant to flourish. However, if you decide to fertilize, a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season is sufficient.
Pruning
The sticky monkey-flower requires little pruning, and the most you may need to do is trim back dead flowers or yellowing leaves to promote new growth. When the plant finishes flowering, cut it back to ground level to encourage a fuller and healthier plant the following year. This requires doing it in the late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant.
Propagation of Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus (Congd.) A.L. Grant
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus (Congd.) A.L. Grant, commonly known as sticky monkeyflower, is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 40 cm tall. The plant is native to California and requires moist soil and partial to full sun exposure.
There are two primary methods of propagating Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus: division and stem cuttings.
Division
Division is the process of separating the root ball of the plant into smaller sections, each of which can then be replanted as an individual plant. For Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus, division should be done in the spring or fall.
To divide the plant, gently dig up the whole root clump and use your hands, a knife, or a sharp spade to separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has some foliage and roots attached. Replant each section at the same depth as the original plant, and water well.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it in soil to produce a new plant.
To take a stem cutting, use a clean, sharp knife to cut a 4- to 6-inch section of stem from the plant. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting soil, water well, and keep it moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus can be a rewarding process, resulting in new plants that will brighten up any garden with their vibrant blooms.
Disease Management
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus may be susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that can cause white, powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can try spraying the affected parts of the plant with a solution of one part milk to nine parts water. Alternatively, you can apply fungicides containing sulfur or copper as directed.
- Botrytis blight: A fungal disease that can cause brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage Botrytis blight, you can try improving air circulation around the plant and reducing humidity levels. You can also apply fungicides containing chlorothalonil or thiophanate-methyl as directed.
- Root rot: A fungal disease that can cause the roots of the plant to rot and decay. To manage root rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. You can also apply fungicides containing copper as directed.
Pest Management
Mimulus subsecundus Gray var. viscidus may also be susceptible to various pests, including:
- Aphids: Small insects that can suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, you can try spraying the affected parts of the plant with a solution of one part dish soap to nine parts water. You can also introduce natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, to the area.
- Spider mites: Tiny arachnids that can form webs on the leaves of the plant and suck sap from the plant's tissues. To manage spider mites, you can try spraying the affected parts of the plant with a solution of one part dish soap to nine parts water. You can also introduce natural predators of spider mites, such as predatory mites, to the area.
- Thrips: Small insects that can damage the leaves and petals of the plant. To manage thrips, you can try spraying the affected parts of the plant with a solution of one part dish soap to nine parts water. You can also introduce natural predators of thrips, such as lacewings and minute pirate bugs, to the area.
