Diplacus aurantiacus

Common Names

Sticky Monkey Flower, Orange Bush Monkey Flower, Monkey Flower, Bush Monkey Flower, California Monkey Flower

Summary

Sticky Monkey Flower is a woody perennial or subshrub native to southwestern North America, typically 0.5–1.5 m tall, with an evergreen to semi-drought-deciduous habit and a rounded, bushy form. Leaves are narrowly elliptical or lanceolate with a sticky resin, and flowers are tubular at the base, bilabiate with two lips, color ranging from salmon-orange to orange and about 2 cm long; it blooms in spring to early summer and occurs in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and open woodlands on rocky slopes, pollinated by birds and insects, providing nectar for hummingbirds and bees, and it is deer-resistant.

Growing conditions include well-drained soil and drought tolerance, thriving in full sun to light shade with coastal to inland exposure. It is hardy to USDA zones 7–10; watering should be deep but infrequent after establishment. Propagation is by seeds or cuttings, and pruning after flowering maintains shape. Practical uses include native plant gardens, habitat gardens, erosion control, rock gardens, and xeriscapes, with value as a nectar source and for wildlife support; pest and disease pressure is generally low.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1 ft 8 in – 4 ft 11 in

Spread

2-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Orange

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds are attracted.