3 named cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Sticky Monkeyflower

Mimulus aurantiacus

The Story

Plant Bio

Mimulus aurantiacus, sticky monkeyflower, is an evergreen subshrub of California and southwestern Oregon, two to four feet high and about three feet across. Narrow dark green leaves are noticeably tacky to the touch, and tubular two-lipped flowers in salmon, orange or orange-red open from spring through summer. It is also placed in the genus Diplacus.

It is adapted to a rainless Californian summer and goes partly dormant in the heat, dropping leaves and looking sparse until the rains return. Plant it among evergreen shrubs so the gap is covered rather than watering it to stay green, which rots the roots. Bees and hummingbirds both work the flowers heavily.

Uses & Benefits:

Tubular salmon to orange-red flowers over sticky evergreen foliage for months.

Holds dry slopes and banks with no summer irrigation once established.

A significant nectar source for hummingbirds and native bees in its range.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

California and southwestern Oregon

Toxicity

No significant toxicity reported

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in autumn or winter in full sun to partial shade.
Use well-drained soil; avoid heavy irrigated ground.
Water through the first winter and spring to establish.
Stop summer watering once the plant is settled.
Pinch young growth to keep it bushy rather than leggy.
Cut back by a third after flowering to renew the plant.

Pro Tip

Summer water is what kills it, not summer drought; let it look sparse in August and it will come back with the rains.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it in autumn for winter root growth 🍂
Give it fast-draining soil 🪨
Site it among evergreens to cover its dormant spell 🌿
Cut it back after flowering to renew growth ✂️

Don't

Irrigate it through summer ❌
Plant it in heavy, poorly drained soil ❌
Feed it; lean soil suits it better ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cut Back
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

California native and habitat plantingDry sunny banks and slopesHummingbird and pollinator borders

Companion Plants

CeanothusCalifornia Fuchsia Manzanita Coyote Mint Deer Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sticky Monkeyflower questions

What zones can Sticky Monkeyflower grow in?

Sticky Monkeyflower is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sticky Monkeyflower deer resistant?

Yes — Sticky Monkeyflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sticky Monkeyflower bloom?

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

Does Sticky Monkeyflower need full sun?

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

Is Sticky Monkeyflower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sticky Monkeyflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.