{"product_id":"sticky-monkey-flower-mimulus-aurantiacus","title":"Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus aurantiacus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Garden with California’s Most Resilient Native Bloomer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSticky Monkey Flower gives California gardens months of bright orange color, evergreen structure, and serious drought tolerance without the constant watering many flowering shrubs demand. This native evergreen shrub is built for dry environments, rocky soils, coastal scrub, chaparral, open forests, sunny hills, and low-maintenance landscapes that still need colorful flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as bush monkeyflower, bush monkey flowers, orange bush monkeyflower, sticky monkeyflower, and \u003cem\u003eDiplacus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e - formerly \u003cem\u003eMimulus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e in the genus \u003cem\u003eMimulus\u003c\/em\u003e - this perennial subshrub typically grows 2–5 feet in height and width. Our 1-gallon plant is ready to transplant into California native plant palettes where it can support regional biodiversity, stabilize slopes, and bring tubular orange flowers that hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and caterpillars use throughout the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought-Tolerant Beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e – Sticky Monkey Flower is known as a desiccation tolerant plant that can survive long periods without water. Once established, it needs only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods, while its yellowish-orange tubular flowers can bloom from July to September in wild conditions and often from spring through fall in irrigated or mild garden sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative California Advantage\u003c\/strong\u003e – The sticky monkey flower (\u003cem\u003eMimulus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a native shrub found throughout California, particularly in coastal scrub and chaparral regions. It is commonly found in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and open forests, making it a natural fit for California gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Maintenance Gardening\u003c\/strong\u003e – This plant requires full sun to partial shade, excellent winter drainage, and no overwatering. It is highly adaptable and can grow in nutrient-poor or challenging soils like serpentine, disturbed soils, sandy soils, and rocky banks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Magnet\u003c\/strong\u003e – Sticky monkey flower serves as a vital food source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The sticky monkey flower (\u003cem\u003eMimulus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e) supports multiple species of caterpillars, including the Variable Checkerspot, and also attracts hummingbirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-Round Interest\u003c\/strong\u003e – Its dark green leaves and rounded shrub form provide structure even when the plant is not in peak bloom. The Sticky Monkey Flower has a modest fuel load, making it suitable for fire-resistant landscaping, and the Sticky Monkey Flower is generally considered resistant to foraging deer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost flowering shrubs need regular irrigation, richer soils, or constant maintenance to look good in California’s dry climate. Sticky Monkey Flower is different because its native evolution helps it protect itself, retain water, and keep growing where many non-native plants struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSticky Monkey Flower\u003c\/strong\u003e has:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResinous Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e – The leaves of the sticky monkey flower are sticky due to glandular secretions, which help protect the plant from herbivorous threats and reduce desiccation. This sticky resin and natural resin production help the plant retain water, deter feeding, and protect the leaves from herbivores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Bloom Period\u003c\/strong\u003e – The flowers of the sticky monkey flower are typically yellowish-orange and have a tubular shape, blooming from July to September in many wild settings. In California gardens, especially with the right light and drainage, flowers may display from spring into fall, with orange, yellow, red, and sometimes white color forms found across the species’ range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e – This native plant supports the local ecosystem in ways ornamental imports cannot. It is an important host plant for larvae, including caterpillars of the Variable Checkerspot, and its tubular petals are close to perfect for hummingbirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resin produced by the sticky monkey flower’s leaves helps protect the plant from herbivorous threats, particularly the larvae of the specialist butterfly \u003cem\u003eEuphydryas chalcedona\u003c\/em\u003e. During the wet season, the sticky monkey flower’s leaves are high in nutrients, which supports the growth of butterfly larvae that feed on the plant, while the resin they consume inhibits their growth, providing a protective mechanism for the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSticky Monkey Flower also has a meaningful cultural history. The Miwok and Pomo Native Americans used the sticky monkey flower to treat minor ailments such as sores, burns, diarrhea, and eye irritation. The Coast Miwok placed crushed leaves of the sticky monkey flower on sores and burns, while the roots were used to treat fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. The Pomo used a decoction made from the sticky monkey flower to treat sore, bloodshot eyes, particularly in individuals living in smoky environments or poorly ventilated dwellings. Flowers were also used for decorative purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Sticky Monkey Flower In Your Garden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in Well-Draining Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChoose a full sun to partial shade location with excellent drainage. Sticky Monkey Flower thrives in both partial shade and full sun and is well-adapted to disturbed soils, serpentine soils, rocky slopes, banks, and dry garden beds. Avoid low spots where winter water collects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Establishment Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater deeply during the first 6 months while roots establish. After that, reduce irrigation sharply. The plant requires excellent winter drainage and should not be overwatered, especially in summer. Its deep roots, sticky leaves, and drought-adapted shape help it survive dry conditions with minimal support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy Continuous Blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect a neat, rounded form with colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators. The plant has deep roots, making it excellent for preventing erosion on banks, and its robust root system is perfect for stabilizing sunny, rocky slopes and hillsides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Name: \u003cem\u003eDiplacus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormer Botanical Name: \u003cem\u003eMimulus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Names: Sticky Monkey Flower, sticky monkeyflower, bush monkeyflower, orange bush monkeyflower, monkey flower\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Type: Native perennial subshrub \/ evergreen shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature Size: Typically 2–5 feet in height and width; Yardwork plants commonly mature around 3–4 feet tall and wide in garden conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Needs: Low to moderate during establishment; highly drought-tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBloom Time: Often March through October in gardens; typically yellowish-orange tubular flowers bloom from July to September in many wild settings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlower Color: Usually orange or yellowish-orange, with yellow, red, and white forms also found\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage: Dark green leaves with sticky glandular secretions; the leaf’s weight and texture vary by selection and growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil: Well-draining soils, including rocky, sandy, disturbed, nutrient-poor, and serpentine soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Uses: Native beds, coastal scrub gardens, chaparral-style plantings, erosion control, hillsides, banks, borders, dry slopes, fire-resistant landscaping, pollinator gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWildlife Value: Vital food source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies; important host plant for caterpillars and larvae, including the Variable Checkerspot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeer Resistance: Generally considered resistant to foraging deer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness Zones: Best for USDA Zones 8–10 and well suited to California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded: Healthy 1-gallon container plant ready for transplanting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia homeowners creating water-wise landscapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners wanting native plants that support local wildlife\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscapers designing sustainable, low-maintenance gardens with structural grasses like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/calamagrostis-karl-foerster\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone seeking colorful flowers without high water requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProperty owners who need erosion control on sunny, rocky hills or banks and want to complement shrubs with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees for added canopy color\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative plant enthusiasts building gardens inspired by the Jepson Manual, coastal scrub, chaparral, and open forest plant communities, especially those adding \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-bougainvillea-bougainvillea-spectabilis\"\u003epurple bougainvillea for Mediterranean-style color\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a California native shrub that grows with less water, helps protect soil, supports hummingbirds and butterfly larvae, and stays contained in a clean rounded form, Sticky Monkey Flower fits your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow drought-tolerant is it once established?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExtremely drought-tolerant. Sticky Monkey Flower is known as a desiccation tolerant plant that can survive long periods without water. After establishment, it usually needs only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it spread or stay contained?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt forms a neat, rounded shrub and generally stays within its designated space without aggressive spreading. This makes it useful in borders, dry banks, native plant beds, and mixed California palettes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat wildlife does it attract?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHummingbirds love the tubular flowers, while bees and butterflies also visit the blooms. The sticky monkey flower (\u003cem\u003eMimulus aurantiacus\u003c\/em\u003e) supports multiple species of caterpillars, including the Variable Checkerspot, and the plant is an important host plant for native butterfly larvae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I grow it in containers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Sticky Monkey Flower can grow in large containers if the pot has strong drainage and the soil mix does not stay wet. Let the soil dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need special soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo rich soil is required. It is highly adaptable and can grow in nutrient-poor or challenging soils like serpentine. The most important requirement is drainage, especially during winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the sticky resin a problem?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The sticky resin is part of the plant’s natural defense system. Resin helps deter herbivores, reduce water loss, and protect the plant in dry environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWas Sticky Monkey Flower traditionally used by Native Americans?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The Miwok and Pomo Native Americans used the sticky monkey flower to treat minor ailments such as sores, burns, diarrhea, and eye irritation. The Coast Miwok used crushed leaves on sores and burns, and roots were used to treat fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. The Pomo used a decoction for sore, bloodshot eyes, especially in smoky environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Native Beauty?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop struggling with water-hungry shrubs that do not suit California’s climate. Choose \u003cstrong\u003eSticky Monkey Flower\u003c\/strong\u003e and enjoy a resilient native plant with orange blooms, dark green leaves, deep roots, modest fuel load, wildlife value, and low-water performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork ships healthy 1-gallon plants throughout California with care-focused packaging and simple transplanting guidance, and can also serve as your go-to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eplant nursery for building a complete yard\u003c\/a\u003e with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003eevergreen and fast-growing privacy trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure checkout. Fast shipping. Native plants selected for California gardens, plus drought-tolerant trees like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/what-to-know-about-the-california-pepper-tree\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-pepper-tree-schinus-molle\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree for sale with other landscape staples\u003c\/a\u003e, along with versatile evergreen shrubs such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/glossy-privet-ligustrum-lucidum\"\u003eGlossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":46041661472941,"sku":null,"price":24.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46041661505709,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/Mimulus.jpg?v=1779515708","url":"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/sticky-monkey-flower-mimulus-aurantiacus","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}