Bush Monkey-flowers

Bush Monkey-flowers Diplacus aurantiacus are also known as Sticky Monkey-flowers.

They got their name because they have a mouth-like shape, and some think they resemble a monkey face.

The "Sticky Monkey-flower" is the more common name, given to the plant because its deep green leaves are coated with a resin.

They are native to the southwestern parts of North America, from southwestern Oregon, through California and Baja, Mexico. They are host plants to butterflies and moths, including the Common Buckeye and Variable Checkerspot butterflies. The most common color of the blossoms is light orange, but they can occur in a variety of colors.

They do best if they aren't overwatered and basically left alone.

The Sticky Monkey-flower plant in the photo above is called Mimulus "Pamela".

I planted it last year as a seedling in well-draining soil next to our driveway.

This Sticky Monkey-flower shrub is a Mimulus aurantiacus 'Cherry'

I planted it two years ago in one of the garden beds next to our patio.

It seemed lusher last year, but still produces very vivid magenta red blossoms that attract bees and hummingbirds.