Mimulus ringens aka Allegheny Monkeyflower

Taxonomy

Mimulus ringens, also known as Allegheny monkeyflower and square-stemmed monkeyflower, is a rhizomatous perennial that is native to eastern and central North America. It can grow from 20 centimeters to well over 1 meter tall and is found in a wide variety of moist to wet habitats. The plant has a square stem that is usually erect and lance-shaped to oblong leaves that are up to 8 centimeters long and usually clasping the stem. The flower, which appears throughout the summer, is lilac-purple in color and has two-lipped, open-mouthed corollas that resemble the face of a smiling monkey. The flower is 1-3 inches long and grows in pairs in the leaf axils on slender 1-2" long pedicels. The herbage is hairless. Mimulus ringens can be grown in part shade and is a host plant for the Common Buckeye and Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies. The plant is also naturalized in the Pacific Northwest and can be invasive in North America. One variety of the plant, var. colophilus, is rare, ecologically restricted, and vulnerable. It is distinguished by having shorter calyces than the ringens variety and by its short flower pedicels. This variety faces several threats, but its current status is not known due to a lack of data. Seeds for the plant are available from commercial suppliers.

Common names

Allegheny Monkeyflower, Allegheny Monkey Flower, Square Stemmed Monkeyflower

How to care for Allegheny Monkeyflower

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Allegheny Monkeyflower, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Allegheny Monkeyflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Allegheny Monkeyflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Allegheny Monkeyflower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Allegheny Monkey Flower is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Allegheny Monkeyflower has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Allegheny Monkeyflower as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia