1. Red Bush Monkeyflower – Diplacus puniceus (DY (or DIP)-pla-kus
pew-NEE-shus)
Family: Scophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Coastal southern CA from Catalina Isl to Baja; Rocky hillsides, cliffs, canyon slopes,
disturbed areas, borders of chaparral, coastal sage scrub and southern oak woodland, open forest.
Native to:
perennial sub-shrub
mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft.
Broadleaf evergreen shrub or subshrub that is semi-open, spreading upright and globular from a
woody base. May become sprawling. Leaves are narrow glossy sticky and dark green. Dormant in
summer in hot dry climates. Fast growing; lifespan in gardens is 10 years or so (water-limited).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Mar-Aug – long blooming season; flowers are red-orange. The lower
surface of the throat usually has two yellow-orange bands. The flowers get a drop of nectar at their
base in early spring, and the stigma lips will close if you poke them with a twig, but will open again
later. Tiny seeds are encased in a dry capsule.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Showy blooms so be sure to locate where you can enjoy it. Great on dry slopes
and natural gardens – great under oaks.
Does well in large pots, planters.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native fuschias.
Attracts: Superb habitat plant. Attracts hummingbirds (the plant’s pollinator) as well as bees and
butterflies (Checkerspots, Buckeyes) with it’s nectar; important larval food for Checkspot butterflies.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade (best in hot gardens)
Sandy, rocky soils best, but any well-drained soil is ok; any local pH – tolerates
alkali soils
A little water is ok in summer, but don’t overdo – susceptible to fungal diseases
None needed, but will take a little time-released fertilizer
Very easy to grow once established. Don’t over-water and withhold water towards
the end of summer to encourage it to go dormant. You can prune back after first flowering period to
encourage fall flowers and again before new spring growth in late winter to keep from getting leggy.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy; plant fresh seed in winter by cuttings: easy in early-mid summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7, 8, 10-14, 16, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28
2/26/11
© Project SOUND