Jelly Bean Mimulus: Improved Monkeyflower Hybrids

Bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), a Pacific Coast wildflower, has a reputation for being persnickety and intolerant of garden conditions. But Rich Persoff, a hybridizer in Alameda, has spent over a decade correcting those flaws. He increased flowering capacity, reduced legginess, and introduced new colors.

Three hybrids have been picked up by the Flower Fields, a new line from Paul Ecke Ranch and Yoder Brothers, now in general distribution. Jelly Bean White and Jelly Bean Yellow are shown here; the third, Jelly Bean Apricot, has apricot-colored flowers.

M. aurantiacus reaches 2–3 ft tall and 1½ ft wide, best in Sunset zones 7–9 and 14–24. Give full sun (light shade inland) and good drainage. Keep soil on dry side and fertilize minimally.