Also known as Monkeyflower · 136 saves
Mimulus
Mimulus, the genus most gardeners know as monkeyflower. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Mimulus varieties
2 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 8 most-grown of them.
The Mimulus year
- PlantApril, May, June, October and November63% of varieties
Plant transplants after the last expected frost date.
- DeadheadJune–September63% of varieties
Pinch off spent flowers to maintain appearance and encourage new blooms.
- PruneAugust, September and November63% of varieties
Cut back spent foliage to ground level after flowering ceases
- Pinch TipsMay and June50% of varieties
Pinch back young stems to promote a bushier, more compact habit.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April38% of varieties
Remove old, dead foliage before new growth begins
Do
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not neglect pruning after flowering
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
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 stippled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap and maintain humidity |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Mimulus
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, 2 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination, about 14 days.
Cuttings
- Snip healthy stems in late spring or early summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain high humidity; roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Mimulus questions
How many types of Mimulus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Mimulus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 136 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 early summer, mid-summer, 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.