annual

Roundleaf Monkeyflower

Mimulus aurantiacus 'Jelly Bean Fiesta Marigold'

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact, bushy plant with vibrant yellow flowers and attractive foliage, suitable for garden beds and containers.

Features bright yellow, snapdragon-like flowers with red spots in the throat. Thrives in wet, boggy conditions and can be grown in shallow water.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVibrant flowers add cheerful color to gardens and containers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Practical UsesMarigolds are known for pest-repellent properties, helping protect nearby plants.
Ecological BenefitsSupports beneficial insects and promotes biodiversity in garden ecosystems.
SpeciesMimulus aurantiacusSticky Monkeyflower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

12 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall, after the last frost.
  4. Water deeply once a week, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
  6. Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged growth.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • 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

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
  • Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
  • Never forget to prune dead or damaged stems

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid border plant with striking flowersColorful container displayWildflower garden accent

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Roundleaf Monkeyflower questions

What zones can Roundleaf Monkeyflower grow in?

Roundleaf Monkeyflower is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Roundleaf Monkeyflower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Roundleaf Monkeyflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Roundleaf Monkeyflower bloom?

Roundleaf Monkeyflower typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Roundleaf Monkeyflower need full sun?

Roundleaf Monkeyflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Roundleaf Monkeyflower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.