Diplacus Species, Calico Monkey Flower

An annual Mimulus species native to California, USA.

Has ovate to lance-like, pointed, entire, densely hairy, light to mid...Read More green leaves. Bears peculiar, tubular flower wit the end of the petals opening flat out so they look round. the base of the tube is maroon-purple, the end of the petals are white, striped with maroon-purple. Not your bog standard Mimulus!

It must be said that this plant is tiny, if you aren't into peering at plants, you could easily bypass this one. The whole plant is barely 6 inches tall (those of mine in the photo are much smaller) and the flower is around 5 milimeters across.

Loves a well drained but moist soil in light shade. Very easy from seed and will self seed where happy (and the winters allow). I grew mine in a 50-50 sand and compost mix.