Musk Monkey Flower, Muskflower
Mimulus moschatus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Mimulus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Naturalized in wet places in England and Eastern Ireland.
Western N. America - British Columbia to Montana and California. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young plant - boiled and used for food.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers rather moist places such as damp borders, margins of streams and boggy spots. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Thrives in full sun so long as the soil does not dry out, otherwise it is best grown in partial shade. Grows well in shallow water, but it can be invasive. Hardy to at least -15°c. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. All parts of the plant have a musky scent, though the form naturalized in Britain, and most cultivars, appear to be scentless.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only lightly cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can also be sown in situ in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of softwood, 5cm long in spring or summer.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet