5000 Mimulus ringens Seeds - Allegheny Monkey Flower Purple Native Perennial for Wetland & Pollinator Gardens
Mimulus ringens, commonly known as Allegheny Monkey Flower, is a native perennial prized for its charming lavender-purple blooms and its ability to thrive in wet, boggy soils. This moisture-loving wildflower is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, stream banks, and other consistently damp areas where many plants struggle. Its tubular flowers resemble a monkey's face, adding a whimsical touch to naturalized landscapes.
Beyond its beauty, Allegheny Monkey Flower is a valuable pollinator plant. The blooms attract bumblebees, which are the primary pollinators, as well as other native bees and occasionally hummingbirds. By incorporating this species into your garden, you support local ecosystems while enjoying a long bloom period from mid-summer into early fall. Its vibrant purple flowers also provide a lovely contrast against the bright green foliage.
Plant Features
- Native perennial wildflower with lavender-purple, monkey-faced blooms
- Thrives in wet, boggy soils and is ideal for rain gardens and pond margins
- Attracts bumblebees and other pollinators
- Blooms from mid-summer to early fall
- Provides erosion control along streambanks and water features
Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Mimulus ringens
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, rich in organic matter
- Water Requirements: High; prefers consistently wet soil
- Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
- Mature Height: 2-3 feet
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Planting & Care
To grow Allegheny Monkey Flower from seeds, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly in a consistently moist area in late spring. Lightly press seeds into the soil surface; do not cover deeply, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil evenly moist and maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F. Germination typically occurs in 14-30 days. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in a sunny to partially shaded spot with wet, rich soil.
This plant requires minimal maintenance once established. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing. In late fall, cut back the foliage to ground level. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor. Allegheny Monkey Flower is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a low-care addition to wetland gardens.
What's Included
You will receive 5000 Mimulus ringens seeds (Allegheny Monkey Flower).