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The reference to \u201csticky\u201d refers\nto a naturally occurring phenolic resin in the leaves, which deters the feeding\nof certain butterfly larvae, and also helps the plant retain water in dry\nenvironments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The leaves of some other plants can\nbecome sticky from the sugary honeydew secreted by aphids and some other\ninsects. Yet other plants can be sticky naturally because their leaves and stems\nhave tiny hairs that can cling to passers-by and help the plant to spread. An\nexemplar of this survival strategy is a weed with many names, including Cleavers\n(Galium aparine). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sticky Monkey Flower grows up to four feet tall. Its blossoms are tubular at the base and about one inch long. They are most commonly a light orange in color, but some varieties display other shades, ranging from white to red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This plant can grow in full sun or partial shade and will be most floriferous in bright sun, presenting an attractive display over a long period from late winter through summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like many California native\nplants, Sticky Monkey Flower thrives in a wide range of difficult soil types\nwhen good drainage is provided. It requires little or no irrigation during the\nMonterey Bay area\u2019s summer-dry climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This plant occurs in many\ndifferent vegetation habitats and is compatible with a large number of other\nCalifornia native plant communities. For this reason, it offers considerable\nversatility in the landscape, and can have many other native plants as suitable\ncompanions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sticky Monkey Flower\nattracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, and also resists deer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance recommendations include\ninstalling deep organic mulch to conserve moisture and discourage weeds,\npinching back new growth in spring to maintain compact form, and deadheading\nspent blossoms to foster flower production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are at least six species within\nthe genus Mimulus (or Diplacus) and a growing number of hybrid cultivars. For\nan overview of the genus, visit the Las Pilatus Nursery website (www.laspilatas<\/a>) and search for \u201cmonkey\nflowers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sticky Monkey Flower is a\ngood example of a California native plant that offers ready availability at\nlocal garden centers, low maintenance, and very good \u201cgarden-worthiness.\u201d If\nyou have been hesitant about using California native plants in your landscape,\nthis plant could change your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A timely opportunity to discover\nnew plants for your garden occurs this weekend, at the annual Mother\u2019s Day Sale\nof Cabrillo College\u2019s Horticulture Department. This academic program is a fine horticultural\nresource for the Monterey Bay area, and this sale is a both a good shopping\nevent and an important fund-raiser for the Hort. Dept. For information\nincluding plant list, search the internet for \u201cCabrillo plant sale.\u201d \n\nInclude California native plants in your garden! \n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Today\u2019s column is about a California native shrub that widely available, and a fine addition to the garden. The plant is the Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus aurantiacus, or Diplacus aurantiacus). Its common name reflects the feelings of some very imaginative … Continue reading