Why The Vibrant Monkey Flower Is A Must-Have For Gardeners

With a name like "monkey flower," you know this family of plants must be something unique. And the monkey flower — or Mimulus — genus does not disappoint. With lipped, funnel-shaped flowers that some find reminiscent of a monkey's face and an impressive ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, there's a lot to love about monkey flowers. Even better, they're deer resistant so you and your local pollinators won't have to worry about the pesky critters nibbling away the plants, and you won't need to build a fence to keep deer out from your garden.

Mimulus is a diverse genus, so it's important to know the specific species of monkey flower you're growing to make sure you care for it correctly. Some of the most popular options to consider include the Alleghany monkey flower (Mimulus ringens) and common monkey flower (Erythranthe guttata), both of which are native to North America. Hybrids are also popular options. Depending on what species you opt for, they may be annuals or perennials. The flowers can also range in color from oranges and yellows to purples and even multicolored.

If you're looking for a perennial monkey flower to add to your garden, you may want to consider the Allegheny monkey flower. This eastern North American native thrives in sunny spots in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. It loves moist or even swampy soils, making it perfect for a rain garden or even as a water garden plant. It can grow to around 3 feet tall. 

Another great perennial option is the common or seep monkey flower. It is native to western North America. However, this variety is somewhat less cold tolerant than the Allegheny monkey flower, and is only hardy in USDA zones 6 through 8. Like the Allegheny monkey flower, it still thrives in wet and moist locations under sun to part shade. It is also generally shorter than the Allegheny monkey flower as it only grows to a little over a foot tall. 

A beautiful annual option to consider is the hybrid monkey flower. They thrive in moist and cool  part shade locations and prefer well-draining soil. They can also make excellent houseplants if you don't have a good spot for them in your yard. With a height of only around 10 inches, they're a perfect size to take care of in a hanging basket, as well.