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Bush Monkeyflower

Diplacus aurantiacus

Out of stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low-Moderate

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Filtered Shade

3'x3'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Orange;Red;White'Yellow

Spring

Rejuvenate the plant in the fall

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Bush Monkeyflower is native throughout most of southern California, including our local mountains and the Mojave Desert. A small shrub that typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall by as wide with deep green sticky leaves that are 1-2 1/2 inches long by about 1/2 inch wide. The flowering plant is notable for its cheerful orange and yellow blooms, said to resemble a monkey's face.
It will do best in filtered shade with well-draining soil. While Monkeyflower is drought tolerant, it will require irrigation and may go dormant in summer here in our hot dry climate. It will take temperatures down to about 12 to 15 degrees F and rabbits and deer seem to mostly leave this plant alone. It is a perennial small shrub with flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Often the plants can look a bit haggard later when not in bloom, so are best in areas where they can be enjoyed from a distance and left in summer until rejuvenated in the fall by cooler temperatures. Some summer shade helps prolong flowering and foliage.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.