Mimulus aurantiacus [apricot]

The Bush Monkeyflower is a shrubby perennial and quite drought tolerant, thus quite unlike the usual small and water loving Mimulus. It is so different that it used to have its own name: Diplacus, and the glossy and somewhat sticky leaves have given it its common name: Sticky Monkeyflower. It is usually 3-4’ tall, and the flower color is quite variable, but usually burnt orange. I received this soft apricot version from a sale at the Merritt College Horticultural Department, supposedly a result of a student breeding experiment. It has done well in my garden in full sun but appreciates some shade away from the coast. No water is necessary when established, although it can get a bit toasted looking in the Fall. It will green up again in the Winter, but if you can’t stand the Summer-dormant look, water it carefully and sparingly. If it gets lanky, you can cut it back (even to the ground) without damage. Hummingbirds love it and deer do not. A fine and colorful addition to the drought tolerant garden.