Photo of Erythranthe cardinalis flower by J.G. in SF

Photo by J.G. in SF

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Erythranthe cardinalis

Also Known As

  • Mimulus cardinalis
  • Scarlet Monkey Flower

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Erythranthe cardinalis plant details

Erythranthe cardinalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Erythranthe cardinalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: scrophulariaceae
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: long-blooming, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Erythranthe cardinalis

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This herbaceous perennial west coast native features downy, semi-sticky, pale green obovate leaves on branching stems to 3' tall and wide. Bearing bright red 1-2" long tubular flowers, this scarlet monkeyflower attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators with its blooms, from early summer through frost. These spread by rhizomes, though also may self sow a bit in optimal conditions, prefering part shade to sun, with rich, moist to wet soil, even standing water for periods, and do not appreciate drying out. USDA zone 7.
Light green, soft, fuzzy leaves on this creeping evergreen 1-3' perennial hold stalks which carry spectacular, scarlet tubular snap-dragon like flowers from June to October ; found growing native in moist spots in the western United States, the flowers are beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies; needs constant moisture to thrive; may spread if it likes it conditions. S/M-W
This herbaceous creeping perennial grows 3' tall by 2' wide. The very showy red tubular flowers are important for humming birds. Scarlet monkeyflower inhabits shady, wet places and will provide abundant flowers July - October. The seeds will self sow. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Tolerates serpentine soils. Used as food for several butterfly and moth species. Mimulus species tend to concentrate sodium chloride and other salts absorbed from the soils in which they grow in their leaves and stem tissues. Native Americans and early travelers in the American West used this plant as a salt substitute to flavor wild game. Found in mainly grows along streams and in other moist or wet places in the mountains, but sometimes be found at lower elevations. Communities located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, many plant communities, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 8000 feet.
A surprising Californian plant for any moist position. Lush, softly haired foliage, mounds up over Winter from fat, underground, slowly spreading shoots. Throughout the warmer months copious quantities of bright scarlet, four petalled, tubular flowers are borne on branching stems. Cut to the ground at the start of Winter. Self seeds freely under favourable conditions.

By: Zephs

Blooms: spring-fall, scarlet/ deciduous Zone 6-9. 12"-24", PNW, part shade-sun, moist, well drained
A spectacular, robust member of the “Monkey Flower” family & a California native. Five velvety, scarlet petals from a large (to 2”) flower with long, protruding, creamy yellow stigma & anthers. The flowers are carried high above the leaves & are borne early Summer-Fall. The stems do tend to get leggy, so cut back periodically. In nature, M. cardinalis grows along streams so it won’t want to dry out. Excellent hummingbird plant! To 2’ tall and 1.5’ wide.

Gardening facts about Erythranthe cardinalis plant

How to Grow Erythranthe cardinalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved