The Story
Plant Bio
Diplacus aurantiacus, the sticky monkeyflower, is an evergreen subshrub native to the dry slopes and canyons of California and Oregon. It features lanceolate, dark green, glossy leaves coated in a sticky resin that helps conserve moisture and deter browsing herbivores.
'Pamela' is distinguished by its tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers that display a cream-to-lemony-orange body with distinct white margins. This cultivar has a mounding to spreading habit, growing up to three feet tall and wide, and spills gracefully over banks or container edges.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36"
Width
36"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with full sun along the coast or partial shade in hot inland climates.
- Prepare the soil to ensure exceptional drainage, incorporating sand or gravel if planting in heavier loams.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the soil line.
- Water deeply to establish, then reduce irrigation to a minimum once the root system is established.
Pro Tip
Never prune back hard into bare, dry old wood, as this plant lacks dormant buds on old stems and will fail to resprout. Ensure soil is exceptionally fast-draining, as summer overwatering in heavy soils triggers fatal root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in sandy, coarse-grained, or rocky soils that drain rapidly.
- Trim back spent flower stems lightly after the primary bloom flush to maintain shape.
- Provide partial shade in hot inland regions to protect the foliage from scorching.
Don't
- Do not overwater during the summer dormancy period.
- Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems.
- Do not plant in heavy, moisture-retaining clay soils.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pamela Monkey Flower questions
What zones can Pamela Monkey Flower grow in?
Pamela Monkey Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pamela Monkey Flower deer resistant?
Yes — Pamela Monkey Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pamela Monkey Flower bloom?
Pamela Monkey Flower typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pamela Monkey Flower need full sun?
Pamela Monkey Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pamela Monkey Flower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pamela Monkey Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Diplacus to compare
Keep exploring
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Grow Pamela Monkey Flower 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.