Allegheny Monkey Flower

mimulus ringens

Also known as: ["Monkey Flower","Square-stemmed Monkey Flower"]

Family: Phrymaceae Genus: Mimulus Category: Flowers

Overview

A herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its distinctive monkey-like flowers and square stems.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Phrymaceae
Genus: Mimulus
Botanical Name: Mimulus ringens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: moist garden beds, near water features, or in containers with consistent moisture
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from intense afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to outdoor light; avoid direct midday sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled shade if needed.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light.

Watering

every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions

Water thoroughly when top inch of soil feels dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; ensure good drainage.

Soil

moist, rich, loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil doesn’t dry out completely; avoid heavy clay soil; amend with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoids frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent cool conditions; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to a healthy node.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as needed.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture daily; water early morning; ensure pot has drainage holes; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; apply until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture distribution.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing soil.
Watering Schedule Tips

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth; reduce watering slightly in winter dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss for moisture retention; mix perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback; vulnerable to frost injury.

Solution: Protect from frost with a cover; move indoors in winter; avoid placing near cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Mimulus ringens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Mimulus ringens can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Mimulus ringens may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Mimulus ringens due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Mimulus ringens is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for growing this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Mimulus ringens is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for growing this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Mimulus ringens is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much sunlight does Mimulus ringens need?

A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens.

Q: Does Mimulus ringens attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q: Is Mimulus ringens suitable for wet soil conditions?

A: Yes, it prefers moist to wet soil and can even tolerate standing water.

Quick Reference
Family: Phrymaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, more freque
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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