Also known as Monkeyflower · 319 saves
Mimulus
Mimulus, the genus most gardeners know as monkeyflower. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Mimulus varieties
4 species of Mimulus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Mimulus in Sow
Save the Mimulus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Mimulus
Whats common across all Mimulus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Mimulus year
- DeadheadMay–August77% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming
- PlantMarch, April and September69% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or early fall in consistently wet soil
- PruneJuly62% of varieties
Cut back hard after main bloom to encourage fresh foliage
- Spring CleanupFebruary54% of varieties
Cut back old stems and dead foliage to the ground before new growth starts
- DivideMarch and September38% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- FertilizeMarch, April, June and August38% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Pinch TipsApril and May38% of varieties
Pinch back young stems to promote a bushier, more compact habit.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Do not neglect pruning after flowering
What goes wrong with Mimulus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use miticides or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick during evening |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicidal spray and increase air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Mimulus
Seed
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and maintain temperature around 65-70°F.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, ready to transplant after seedlings establish.
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Maintain humidity and keep under indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Mimulus questions
How many types of Mimulus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Mimulus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 319 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Mimulus grow in?
Across its varieties, Mimulus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Mimulus bloom?
Most Mimulus varieties bloom in summer, late spring to mid-summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Mimulus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.