The Mimulus is a cheerful addition to the garden that spreads out from a base, sprawling its growing stems and their bright, typically yellow flowers. Mimulus plants include annuals, herbaceous varieties and those which can be considered as sub-shrub. They will ramble out in search of the sun. Learn how to grow your own Mimulus in our easy growing guide.

What is mimulus?

The Mimulus is known for having unusual monkey-like snapdragon flowers. Typically, the Mimulus grows in a woodland environment, for example, the deep gold blooms of the Mimulus guttatus, known as ‘the monkey flower’, can be seen beside woodland streams. 

Trailing varieties of mimulus will turn any hanging basket into a profusion of cascading flowers. They will grow freely in spring and when grown in a flower bed it will produce a mound of flowers, usually around 80 to 90 cm high.

When to plant mimulus?

When growing Mimulus, plant out any time after May; or plant out in late September for over-wintering plants to flower early in the succeeding spring. 

As with most plants, make sure to grow plants undercover (preferably indoors) until they reach 8 to 10 cm in height at which point they’re ready to plant out.

How and where to plant mimulus

Mimulus will grow best in full sun and should be planted in moist soil as the plants like to grow in the wet ground. Try to avoid high temperatures and drying out in drought periods.

Mimulus are ideal for planting in containers and in fact, they thrive in a pot. Choose a pot that will go nicely with their bright yellow or orange flowers! 

Fill your container up to three-quarters full with multi-purpose compost. Carefully remove the plant from its tray or pot and place it in position. Fill the container back in with soil and gently firm down. Water in generously. Always keep container plants well watered and fed. If choosing a companion plant, ensure that it will not over-shade the Mimulus as they need plenty of sunlight.

How to care for mimulus

Mimulus are generally pest and disease-free, but if aphids appear on your Mimulus, carefully wash off with an aimed jet of water. If an infestation of aphids does occur, use insecticidal soap to treat the problem. Cut back the plants once they are grown scraggly at the end of the flowering period.

Ready to plant your own beautiful mimulus? Take a look at our mimulus collection.