Sticky Monkey-flower
Diplacus aurantiacus
Also listed as Mimulus aurantiacus, Diplacus aurantius
Also known as Orange Bush Monkey-flower, Orange Sticky Monkeyflower, Bush Monkeyflower
Climate Match for your location
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A compact California shrub with tubular orange flowers that bloom prolifically over many months. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardens and Mediterranean climates.
Why grow it
Orange bush monkeyflower fills a niche as a compact, long-blooming shrub for low-water gardens where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to other California natives like ceanothus or manzanita, it offers extended flowering, smaller mature size (typically 2-4 feet), and tolerance for both coastal and inland heat. Its tubular flowers also attract hummingbirds and native pollinators, supporting garden ecology beyond visual interest.
Watch out for
Plants benefit from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain density and prevent legginess; unpruned specimens can become sparse at the base over time. Overwatering, especially in heavy clay soils or humid climates, can invite root rot and fungal issues despite the plant's drought adaptation. Young plants may take a season or two to establish before displaying their characteristic vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Phrymaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Jelly Bean' is a compact cultivar with bright orange flowers, while 'Sunset' offers warm sunset-tone blooms; both remain smaller than the species and are popular in container and xeriscape plantings.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A compact California shrub with tubular orange flowers that bloom prolifically over many months. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardens and Mediterranean climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sticky Monkey-flower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Orange bush monkeyflower fills a niche as a compact, long-blooming shrub for low-water gardens where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to other California natives like ceanothus or manzanita, it offers extended flowering, smaller mature size (typically 2-4 feet), and tolerance for both coastal and inland heat. Its tubular flowers also attract hummingbirds and native pollinators, supporting garden ecology beyond visual interest.
Watch out for
Plants benefit from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain density and prevent legginess; unpruned specimens can become sparse at the base over time. Overwatering, especially in heavy clay soils or humid climates, can invite root rot and fungal issues despite the plant's drought adaptation. Young plants may take a season or two to establish before displaying their characteristic vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Phrymaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Jelly Bean' is a compact cultivar with bright orange flowers, while 'Sunset' offers warm sunset-tone blooms; both remain smaller than the species and are popular in container and xeriscape plantings.