Also known as Monkeyflower · 255 gardener saves
Mimulus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Mimulus, the genus most gardeners know as monkeyflower. We track 12 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Mimulus varieties
Of 12 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBarton's Monkeyflower
Mimulus x lewisii-cardinalis
#2 most savedSeep Monkeyflower
Mimulus guttatus
#3 most savedSeep Monkeyflower
Mimulus guttatus 'California Sunrise'
Pamela Monkey Flower
Mimulus guttatus 'Pamela'
Roundleaf Monkeyflower
Mimulus glabratus 'Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold'
Allegheny Monkey Flower
Mimulus ringens
Jelly Bean Monkey Flower
Mimulus grahamii 'Jelly Bean Betabel'
Bush Monkey Flower
Mimulus fruticosus
White Monkey Flower
Mimulus bifidus 'White'
Point Molate Monkeyflower
Mimulus aurantiacus 'Point Molate'
Cherry Monkey Flower
Mimulus x aurantiacus 'Cherry'
Mega Monkey Flower
Mimulus naiandinus 'Mega'
How to grow Mimulus
What the Mimulus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Mimulus year
- DeadheadMay–August83% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming
- PlantMarch, April and September67% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or early fall in consistently wet soil
- PruneJuly67% of varieties
Cut back hard after main bloom to encourage fresh foliage
- Spring CleanupFebruary58% of varieties
Cut back old stems and dead foliage to the ground before new growth starts
- DivideMarch and September42% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- FertilizeMarch, April, June and August42% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Pinch TipsApril and May42% 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 12 distinct Mimulus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 255 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Design with Mimulus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
