Mimulus Magic Mixed. Picture courtesy Picture courtesy www.ballstraathof.co.zaDescription:

These cheerful and rewarding little plants are native to North and South America and Australasia. They are moisture loving plants that thrive in semi-shade and are beautiful planted at water side margins and moist areas.

Monkey Flowers grow about 30cm tall and 25cm wide but there is a smaller variety that only grows about 15cm tall.

Their gay summer flowers are available in single or mixed shades of bright scarlet, pink, white, yellow, ivory, and orange. There are clear and bi-colours available.

In the Garden:

They are stunning if planted into hanging baskets, window boxes and pots, or as a border to the flower garden.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Mimulus Magic Blotch. Picture courtesy The Bedding Plant Growers AssociationMonkey Flowers grow well in the summer rainfall regions and are not suited to very hot, dry or humid regions. They are tender to frost and are generally grown as summer annuals in South Africa. In temperate regions they can be grown all year round.

Plant them in semi-shade, and protect them from the hot midday sun.

They require good, well- drained soil and thorough watering. If they are planted in good soil it is not necessary to feed them again.

When your plants are almost finished flowering shear them lightly to encourage a second flush of blooms. This will keep them tidy and blooming for longer. 

Seeds can be sown in seedling trays in spring and early summer when the soil temperatures are between 15 and 24°C. Do not cover the seeds as they require light to germinate, rather gently firm them down into the soil. Keep the soil damp but not wet. The seeds will germinate in 14 to 21 days and will flower in about 11 to 13 weeks after sowing.

Grow your seedlings on in cool conditions and do not feed them as this makes for lush growth and fewer flowers.