Diplacus (Mimulus) aurantiacus, Sticky Monkeyflower

An essential for the habitat garden, bush Monkeyflower is a delightful small evergreen shrub growing 2-4 ft. tall. It is notable for its cheerful orange and yellow blooms, said to resemble a monkey’s face. It’s also sometimes called Sticky Monkeyflower because the leaves produce a protective sticky resin. It is a perennial subshrub with flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. This low-water plant tolerates a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. In coastal areas, Sticky Monkeyflower likes full sun; plant in partial shade in inland gardens.

Sticky Monkeyflower grows throughout California in sage scrub, chaparral and oak woodland plant communities on rocky slopes, plains and disturbed areas. Within this range it varies in growth habit and flower color, and is highly adapted to heat, sun and summer drought conditions. It is widely planted in restoration projects as well as native and residential gardens. It’s easy to grow and performs best in ornamental gardens for 3-5 years before needing to be replaced.