Monkey Flower
A cheerful shade-loving annual with speckled, trumpet-shaped flowers that resemble grinning monkey faces in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
On this pageOverview
Meet Monkey Flower
A cheerful shade-loving annual with speckled, trumpet-shaped flowers that resemble grinning monkey faces in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Monkey flowers thrive in cool, moist conditions and make excellent choices for shady borders, boggy areas, and container gardens. They bloom best in spring and early summer before heat sets in.
When to plant Monkey Flower
Sow tiny seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix 8-10 weeks before the last frost—do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate. Keep at 65-70°F (18-21°C) with consistent moisture. Germination takes 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings carefully when large enough to handle, spacing 8-10 inches apart. Monkey flowers can also be direct-sown in shady, moist garden spots in early spring, though this is slower.
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Used once to set your season · never sharedHow to grow Monkey Flower
Monkey flower is a colorful, shade-tolerant annual that thrives in conditions too cool and wet for most other flowering plants. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, pressing the tiny seeds onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix—they need light to germinate. Germination takes 7-14 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing 8-10 inches apart in partial to full shade. Monkey flowers demand consistently moist soil and will wilt dramatically if allowed to dry out. They are perfect for shady borders, stream banks, bog gardens, and containers in north-facing positions.
Monkey flowers bloom most prolifically in cool weather and may slow down or stop in the heat of midsummer. In hot climates, treat them as spring and fall flowers. In cool-summer areas, they bloom continuously from late spring through autumn. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.
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Monkey Flower's best neighbours
Monkey flowers thrive with other shade and moisture lovers: impatiens, begonias, ferns, and astilbes. They are excellent companions for hostas, providing colorful flowers around the base of hosta mounds. In bog gardens, plant alongside forget-me-nots, lobelia cardinalis, and Japanese primroses. In containers, pair with trailing ivy and shade-tolerant fuchsias.
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Every plant you place is checked against its neighbours in real time. Good matches glow green; conflicts get flagged on the spot — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.
Feed it well
Monkey flowers require rich, consistently moist soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Amend with plenty of compost to improve moisture retention. In containers, use a quality potting mix with added peat or coir for moisture holding capacity. Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Never allow soil to dry out—even brief wilting can set plants back significantly.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Seed Sowing
Monkey flower seeds are extremely fine, almost dust-like, and require light to germinate. Scatter them on the surface of moist, finely textured seed-starting mix and press very gently without covering. Maintain consistent moisture using bottom watering or a fine mist to avoid displacing the tiny seeds.
Germination and Cotyledon Stage
Tiny seedlings emerge with their first pair of rounded cotyledon leaves. At this stage the seedlings are extremely small and fragile, barely visible to the naked eye at first. They require bright indirect light and consistently moist but not waterlogged growing medium.
True Leaf Development
The first true leaves appear, showing the characteristic opposite leaf arrangement with toothed or slightly serrated margins. Plants begin to develop a more robust root system and can be carefully transplanted into individual pots or cell trays. Growth accelerates noticeably during this phase.
Vegetative Growth and Branching
Plants develop bushy, well-branched growth with multiple stems and dense foliage. The sticky, slightly hairy leaves become more pronounced. Plants reach 15-30 cm in height depending on the species and variety. This is the ideal stage to pinch growing tips to encourage bushier, more compact plants.
Bud Formation
Flower buds form at the tips of stems and in the leaf axils. The buds are tubular and covered in a slightly sticky calyx. As they swell, hints of the final flower color become visible through the developing petals. Plants are now at or near their full mature size of 20-45 cm.
Full Bloom
The showy two-lipped tubular flowers open in succession, displaying vivid colors and distinctive spotted or blotched throat markings. Each flower resembles a small grinning face, giving the plant its common name. Flowers are produced continuously over many weeks if conditions remain cool and moist.
Seed Set and Dormancy
Pollinated flowers develop small capsules containing hundreds of dust-like seeds. As the capsules dry and split open, seeds are dispersed by wind and water. Perennial species begin to die back to their rootstock as temperatures drop, while annual types complete their life cycle and senesce.
Do not cover the seeds with soil. They need full light exposure to germinate. Use a clear humidity dome or plastic wrap over the seed tray to maintain moisture until sprouts appear. Keep at 15-20°C for optimal germination.
Caring for Monkey Flower month by month
What to do each month for your Monkey Flower
July
You are hereNo specific care tasks for this month.
Harvesting Monkey Flower
Monkey flowers are primarily used as bedding and container plants rather than cut flowers. The cheerful spotted blooms can be picked for small posies and bud vases, where they last 3-5 days in water. Cut when flowers are fully open for immediate enjoyment. They are charming in small, informal arrangements mixed with ferns and foliage.
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Storage & Preservation
Monkey flowers are typically grown as annuals and do not store as bulbs. Some species are perennial in mild climates (zones 7-11) and may overwinter with mulch protection. To save seed, allow some flowers to mature and develop seed capsules. Collect when capsules turn brown and begin to split. Store tiny seeds in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry place.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Aphids
PestClusters of soft-bodied insects on stems and buds. Distorted growth and sticky residue.
Powdery Mildew
DiseaseWhite powdery coating on leaves in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Slugs and Snails
PestIrregular holes in leaves and flowers. Slimy trails visible on and around plants, especially in the morning.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Drying out is the number one killer of monkey flowers—these are moisture-loving plants that simply cannot tolerate drought. Heat stress causes plants to stop blooming and become leggy. In hot climates, grow in the coolest, shadiest spot available and keep soil consistently moist. Slugs love the tender foliage in shady, moist conditions—use iron phosphate bait or beer traps.
Growing Tips
- Surface-sow the dust-like seeds on finely textured moist seed-starting mix and do not cover them, as monkey flower seeds require light to germinate. Use bottom watering to avoid washing the tiny seeds away.
- Maintain consistently moist soil at all times. Monkey flowers are native to stream banks and wet meadows and will not tolerate drying out. Consider planting near a water feature, rain garden, or in a naturally damp area of the garden.
- Provide morning sun with afternoon shade in most climates. In cool coastal or mountain regions, monkey flowers can handle full sun, but in warm inland areas they need protection from intense afternoon heat to prevent wilting and flower drop.
- Pinch the growing tips of young plants when they reach 10-15 cm tall to promote bushier, more compact growth with more flowering stems. This single step dramatically improves the overall display quality.
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leafy growth at the expense of flower production.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly by pinching or snipping them off just above the nearest set of leaves. Consistent deadheading can extend the bloom period by several weeks and keeps plants looking tidy.
- Watch for slugs, snails, and aphids, which are the most common pests. Set beer traps or use iron phosphate bait for slugs, and dislodge aphids with a strong spray of water from the hose.
- Take stem cuttings in late summer to overwinter tender varieties indoors on a bright windowsill. Cuttings root easily in moist perlite or a glass of water within two to three weeks.
- Mulch around plants with compost or shredded bark to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep root temperatures cool during warm spells. Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems to prevent rot.
- In regions with harsh winters, protect perennial monkey flower crowns with a 5-10 cm layer of straw or leaf mulch after the first hard frost. Remove the mulch gradually in spring as new growth emerges from the base.
Pick your Monkey Flower
Mimulus 'Magic' series
Compact 6-8 inch plants smothered in large flowers with dramatic spotted throats in yellow, red, orange, and white.
Mimulus 'Mystic' series
Bicolor flowers with bold contrasting markings in combinations of orange-red, yellow-red, and cream-pink.
Mimulus 'Twinkle' Mix
Smaller flowers but exceptionally floriferous, creating a blanket of color in shade gardens and containers.
Monkey flower seeds are extremely fine and a single packet typically contains 500-1,000 seeds for just $3-5, making them one of the most economical ornamental plants to grow from seed. Because many species self-seed readily in favorable moist conditions, a single planting can establish a self-sustaining colony that returns year after year without additional cost. Perennial varieties also spread by runners and stem rooting, further multiplying your investment. Compared to purchasing nursery-grown monkey flower plants at $5-8 each, growing from seed can save $50-100 or more when establishing a large display. Their value as pollinator plants and their ability to thrive in difficult moist or shady spots where other ornamentals struggle makes them an exceptionally cost-effective choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance seasonal color.
Quick recipes
Monkey Flower Petal Salad Garnish
10 minutesA vibrant edible flower garnish using fresh monkey flower blooms to add color and a mild, slightly sweet-green flavor to summer salads. The spotted petals create a visually striking presentation that turns an ordinary salad into something special.
5 ingredients
Monkey Flower Infused Herbal Vinegar
15 minutes active, 2 weeks infusingA decorative and mildly floral infused vinegar made by steeping colorful monkey flower petals in white wine vinegar. The result is a beautifully tinted vinegar with a subtle botanical note, perfect for dressing salads or as a unique homemade gift.
5 ingredientsWild Greens Saute with Monkey Flower Leaves
15 minutesA simple saute of foraged wild greens incorporating tender young monkey flower leaves alongside other mild-flavored greens. The monkey flower leaves add a fresh, slightly tangy note and were traditionally gathered by Indigenous peoples as a seasonal potherb.
6 ingredientsWhat's inside
Health Benefits
- Monkey flower leaves contain iridoid glycosides that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in preliminary laboratory studies, supporting traditional Indigenous use of the plant as a topical poultice for skin irritations and minor swelling.
- The fresh leaves and stems provide modest amounts of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports immune function and helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
- Young monkey flower greens supply dietary fiber that supports healthy digestion and promotes beneficial gut microbiota when consumed as part of a varied diet of foraged wild greens.
- The edible flowers contain flavonoid pigments including anthocyanins in red and pink varieties, which act as antioxidants and may contribute to cardiovascular health when consumed regularly as part of a diverse diet.
- Traditional herbal practitioners in western North America used monkey flower preparations to soothe sore throats and mild respiratory discomfort, applying the mucilaginous leaf tissue as a demulcent poultice.
- Spending time cultivating and observing monkey flowers in a garden setting provides documented mental health benefits associated with gardening, including reduced cortisol levels, improved mood, and increased mindfulness and connection with the natural world.
Where Monkey Flower comes from
Monkey flowers belong to a group of plants historically classified under the genus Mimulus, with the majority of North American species now reclassified into the genus Erythranthe following extensive molecular phylogenetic research. The group is native primarily to western North America, where the greatest diversity of species is found, ranging from coastal California to the mountain streams of the Rocky Mountains and Cascades. Some species also occur in eastern North America, South America, Australia, and southern Africa. These plants have been closely associated with moist habitats throughout their evolutionary history, thriving along stream banks, seeps, wet meadows, and mountain springs where consistent moisture is available. Indigenous peoples of North America had practical knowledge of monkey flowers for generations, using the leaves and stems as traditional poultice materials for skin ailments and occasionally consuming the mildly flavored young greens. European explorers and plant collectors first brought monkey flowers to the attention of Western botanists in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The Scottish botanist and plant hunter David Douglas collected several species during his expeditions through the Pacific Northwest in the 1820s, and the plants quickly became popular in Victorian-era gardens in Britain for their colorful, exotic-looking blooms. Yellow monkey flower was among the first species cultivated in Europe and subsequently escaped from gardens, naturalizing across the British Isles and parts of continental Europe. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, monkey flowers gained extraordinary scientific importance as a model system for studying evolutionary biology, speciation, and pollinator-driven adaptation. Research on the genetics of flower color in sympatric species pairs such as Erythranthe cardinalis and E. lewisii has provided landmark insights into how single genetic changes can shift pollinator preference and drive reproductive isolation, contributing fundamental knowledge to our understanding of how new species arise in nature.
Monkey Flower: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Monkey Flower
Monkey flowers get their common name from the shape of their two-lipped corolla, which was thought to resemble a grinning monkey face or, in some interpretations, the face-like markings that mimic a primate's visage.
Monkey Flower questions, answered
When should I plant Monkey Flower?
What are good companion plants for Monkey Flower?
What hardiness zones can Monkey Flower grow in?
How much sun does Monkey Flower need?
How far apart should I space Monkey Flower?
What pests and diseases affect Monkey Flower?
How do I store Monkey Flower after harvest?
What are the best Monkey Flower varieties to grow?
What soil does Monkey Flower need?
Are monkey flowers annuals or perennials?
Why are my monkey flowers wilting even though I water them?
Do monkey flowers attract pollinators to the garden?
Can I grow monkey flowers in containers or hanging baskets?
What is the difference between Mimulus and Erythranthe?
How do I collect and save monkey flower seeds?
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From the “When to plant” sectionDrag-and-drop bed planner
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From the “Growing guide” sectionCompanion conflicts, caught early
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From the “Companions” sectionReminders you'll actually act on
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From the “Overview” sectionPlant these alongside Monkey Flower
More Annuals
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