How to Grow Sticky Monkey Flower
iNaturalist
Sticky Monkey Flower
Mimulus aurantiacus
flowerSticky monkey flower is a vibrant, drought-tolerant shrubby perennial native to California with bright orange, red, or yellow tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. The plant gets its name from the sticky, glandular hairs covering the stems and leaves. It blooms prolifically from spring through fall in warm climates and is excellent for water-wise gardens, containers, and native plant landscapes.
When should you plant Sticky Monkey Flower in your zone?
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Example Sticky Monkey Flower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sticky Monkey Flower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Sticky Monkey Flower blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sticky Monkey Flower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; can be grown as a tender annual or container plant in cooler zones
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Get my Sticky Monkey Flower timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; delicate leaves appear sticky to touch
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksBushy plant develops with sticky, lance-shaped leaves; stems become woody at base
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Begin light pinching to encourage branching. Gradually acclimate if grown indoors.
Flowering
4-6 months (spring through fall in mild climates)Abundant tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, yellow, or apricot appear at branch tips; flowers attract hummingbirds
Continue moderate watering during bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Feed lightly with low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed.
Maturation/Dormancy
2-4 months (varies by climate)Flowering slows in winter; plant becomes semi-dormant in cool climates; woody stems harden
Reduce watering significantly. Prune back dead or frost-damaged wood in spring. In cold areas, bring container plants indoors.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
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Remove affected leaves; use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Prune out heavily infested branches; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil in early season.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Prevent with excellent drainage; do not overwater. Remove affected plant if roots are severely rotted.
Uses
Hummingbird and Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe bright, tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects. This makes it an excellent plant for supporting native pollinator populations in water-conscious gardens. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe bright flowers are edible with a slightly sweet, citrusy flavor and can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. [source]
Traditional California Native Use
MedicinalNative California tribes historically used monkey flowers in herbal preparations, though modern medicinal use is limited. Some herbalists use it for minor respiratory support. [source]
Drought-Resistant Landscaping
HouseholdIdeal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and water-wise landscapes in warm climates. Requires minimal supplemental irrigation once established, reducing water consumption significantly. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
CraftFresh blooms last well in vases and add vibrant color to floral arrangements. The sticky stems and foliage add texture and botanical interest to bouquets. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Sticky monkey flower is ornamental; harvest flowers for fresh arrangements by cutting stems in early morning. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Seeds can be collected in fall by allowing some flowers to dry on the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'monkey' in its name refers to the gaping flower shape resembling a smiling monkey face, a characteristic shared by many Mimulus species in the snapdragon family.
- 🌱 Sticky monkey flower is endemic to California and is a California native plant that has been used in regional landscaping for over a century due to its water efficiency and long blooming season.
- 🌱 The plant's sticky, glandular hairs (trichomes) not only give it its common name but also serve an ecological function by reducing water loss and potentially trapping small insects.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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