Mimulus geyeri - Monkey Flower

Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:	M. glabratus. HBK.
Range:	Western N. America - Manitoba to Michigan and Montana.

Mimulus geyeri (Monkey Flower) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Monkey Flower will flower in January to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Monkey Flower will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Monkey Flower prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Monkey Flower can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Very wet places and shallow water, especially in calcareous areas[60].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers rather moist places such as damp borders, margins of streams and boggy spots[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Thrives in full sun so long as the soil does not dry out[200], otherwise it is best grown in partial shade[187].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Leaves and young shoots - raw[105, 161]. A slightly bitter flavour, they can be used as part of a mixed salad[K].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only lightly cover the seed[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can also be sown in situ in late spring after the last expected frosts[200]. Division in spring[200]. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of softwood, 5cm long in spring or summer[200].

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The plant, growing in the wild, is seen as an indicator of surface water[257].

• Miscellany - A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Hitchcock. C. L.
Author: Hitchcock. C. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1955

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