Mimulus - cultivation and care. Beautiful mimulus - growing from seeds is effective and simple

mimulus popularly known as Lipstick". Sometimes some of its species are unknowingly mistaken for. Indeed, there are some similarities. They also find similarities with the muzzle of a monkey. Unfortunately, this flower is rarely found in amateur flower beds. It is not clear why, because mimulus is very easy to grow, and caring for it is no more difficult than for others.

A little about the plant

Mimulus in nature perennial. But this is where it grows in natural, familiar conditions - North America, Australia, New Zealand. We mainly grow it as an annual. But among the 150 species of mimulus, there are those that are quite resistant to our frosts and may well be grown as perennials. On average, mimulyus reaches a height of 70 centimeters. But there are also smaller flowers. For instance " Mimulus Leopard”, whose height does not reach even 25 centimeters. This flower looks great both in a group planting and in combination with other garden flowers. Mimulus can be safely planted on or included in the composition for hanging planters or container.

Growing mimulus from seeds

Sowing seeds for seedlings

Mimulus seeds should be sown no later than the beginning of April. These seeds are very small and even mixing them with dry sand will not give a special effect, thickening cannot be avoided. Therefore, you should prepare for the next pick. Due to the fact that the seeds of the mimulus are very small, they are not embedded in the ground, but are distributed as evenly as possible over the surface of the earth, which should be light and loose. Before planting, it must be slightly moistened. Mimulus seeds, after they are distributed on the soil surface, are also moistened with a spray bottle. Then the container with crops is covered with any transparent material, to create greenhouse conditions. They should be kept in a bright place with a moderate (+16-18 degrees) temperature.

You won't have to wait long for the shoots. On average, a week. Often the first sprouts appear on the third day.

seedling care

If the sprouts have sprouted too densely, then after a week they need to be thinned out so that they do not interfere with each other's growth. To avoid stretching the mimulus sprouts, place them in a bright and cool place. When the seedlings give 4 true leaves, they can be picked into separate containers. It makes sense not to allocate a separate container for each seedling, but to plant them in groups of 4-5 pieces. When the seedlings of the mimulus get stronger and take root after diving, it can be fed to the weak potash fertilizer.

Planting mimulus in open ground

Mimulyus seedlings are planted in mid-May. But first it is possible (and highly desirable) by gradually accustoming her to street conditions. In principle, the planting time of the mimulyus in open ground will depend on how quickly stable warm weather sets in in your area. Therefore, the landing date may be shifted.

You can choose a place for planting mimulyus both in the sun and in partial shade. Ideally, if the soil in the area for planting this flower is loamy with humus content.

Landing is carried out by transshipment, into prepared landing pits. The distance between them mainly depends on the size of an adult plant, but on average it is 20 - 30 centimeters. Before planting, the soil in the pits is moistened. The soil in containers with mimulyus seedlings is also well moistened, which at the same time will facilitate its extraction for transshipment.

In regions with a mild climate and in early spring mimulus can be planted without going through the stage of growing seedlings - immediately in open ground. For this, warm daytime weather (+ 16-18 degrees) should be established. Mimulus seeds, as well as when sowing seedlings, are distributed over the soil surface, moistened and covered with a film. With the advent of sprouts, the cover is removed. After a couple of weeks, when the sprouts get stronger, they can already be thinned out.

Mimulus Care

It won't give you much trouble. Mimulus flower is unpretentious. Caring for it will mainly consist in regularly maintaining soil moisture. It must be constantly moist. Mimulus does not tolerate drought well, but excessive waterlogging is undesirable for him, this is fraught with the appearance of various rot and pests. A sign of an excess of moisture is small holes on the leaves of the mimulus. You should also periodically loosen the ground around it and fight weeds.

During the season, mimulus blooms twice - in spring and autumn. After the end of the first flowering, the ground part of the flower is shortened, complex fertilizer is applied under the plant. Pretty soon, mimulus builds up young shoots, which will be even thicker and more magnificent than before.

Mimulus in winter

Perennial species of mimulus can be saved until next spring. Even if there are severe winters in your places, you can cut it off in the fall, dig it up and, together with a clod of earth, transplant it into flower pot. You can keep it on the windowsill at a low temperature. In the spring, with the onset of heat, mimulus can be taken out and planted in open ground.

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A multifaceted mimulus is a flower that always leaves about itself Nice memories. Velvet inflorescences, decorated with the colors of summer, decorate all corners of the garden, balconies, terraces. In addition, mimulus is undemanding to the soil, and can revive sun-deprived areas that other flowers have rejected. Mimulyus is not offended and species diversity. This genus boasts over 150 varieties. How to grow this unusual flower in our area, we will tell further.

Mimulus is a numerous genus that naturally grows in temperate climates everywhere except in Europe. Until recently, this species was attributed to the Norichnikovs, but now it belongs to the Frimov family. IN wild mimulyus - perennial species, in culture - an annual, although some of its varieties can survive even at -20⁰С.

The mimulus was nicknamed the mimulus by the people for the peculiar shape of the inflorescence in the form of a mouth with a drooping lower lip. The flower has another name - monkey flowers ("monkey flowers"). This is how the Americans call it, to which the mimulus bud resembles the muzzle of a monkey.

  • Mimulus, depending on the species, can grow from 70 cm (for herbaceous species) to 150 cm (for shrubs).
  • The stems of sponges are also different: they can be erect, densely branched and even creeping. The surface of the stems is found naked and pubescent.
  • The foliage on the stalks of the mimulus is opposite, the shape of the leaf is ovoid.
  • mimulus inflorescences irregular shape collected in fragile brushes. Buds monophonic or variegated up to 5 cm in diameter.
  • The flower corolla of the mimulus is tubular, the upper lip of the sponge is dicotyledonous and slightly pushed back, and the lower one consists of three lobes and moves forward.
  • The color of the inflorescences is very different: purple, bright yellow, rich orange, dotted with contrasting strokes.
  • The fruit of the gubastic is a small box in which small seeds ripen. After maturation, it independently cracks in half.

Common types of mimulus

In culture, sponge has not yet gained its well-deserved popularity, so only a few varieties are grown. You can meet the following species in the gardens.

  • Mimulus aurantiacus (orange sponge)- its natural habitat is the southeastern United States. The species is extremely thermophilic, and under optimal conditions it produces shoots up to 90-100 cm. Among the dark green foliage, inflorescences of orange, less often salmon-pink color bloom with glitter. Corolla of flowers of medium diameter (3-4 cm). For the shoots of this sponge, it is required to build a support so that they do not bend down and do not creep along the ground. However, this species can be successfully grown in hanging flowerpots. The species can be grown as a perennial if it is provided with wintering indoors.

  • Mimulus puniceus (popularly - pomegranate mimulus)― a medium-sized native of California, also found in the US-Mexico border zone. The erect stems are covered with rich green oblong leaves. Large inflorescences are painted in a shimmering wine color, and the middle is decorated with orange strokes.

  • Mimulus luteus (yellow mimulus)- this bright spotted flower was found by the French clergyman Feyet in Chile. The species is characterized by erect stems (bare or heavily pubescent), reaching 60-70 cm in height. The foliage is heart-shaped, small teeth are concentrated along the edges. flower petals yellow color, and a large crimson spot flaunts on the lower lip. Numerous red dots are visible towards the middle.

  • Mimulus guttatus (another name for speckled sponge)- at the time of discovery (1808), this species was found only in the western lands of North America. But due to its inherent polymorphism, the species quickly developed new territories towards New Zealand and Europe. A speckled mimulus grows up to 80 cm. Its stems are branched, and the flowers are bright yellow with small crimson specks in the center of the throat. The species has a variegated variety (Richard Bish) for which a characteristic grayish shade of sheets with a white border.

  • Mimulus ringens or gaping sponge- the height of the branched stems of the species depends on the variety and varies from 20 to 100 cm. The foliage of the mimulus is opposite, calm green, oval in shape. Delicate small flowers of a delicate lavender hue bloom in the axils of the leaves.

  • Mimulus cardinalis (often referred to as purple sponge) Came to us from North America. Its stems are pubescent, strongly branched. The species is represented by a small bush 45-55 cm high. In mimulus, the foliage is ovoid, placed oppositely, bordered by teeth along the edges, veins protrude on the surface. The species has fragrant flowers of expressive form. Tubular buds are distinguished by a scarlet-red color. The inflorescences are held on loose elongated pedicels and flaunt in the axils of the leaves.

In culture, the species consists of several varieties:

  • Red Dragon - a variety with buds of a juicy crimson color;
  • Cardinal - a plant with large inflorescences of a scarlet-red color with a dense yellowish speck;
  • Auranticus - a variety with blood-orange flowers;
  • Rose Queen - forms scarlet buds with darker specks.

  • Mimulus tigrinus (other names: leopard sponge, hybrid or tigrinus)- Group hybrid varieties derived from yellow and speckled mimulus. Low plants with expressive variegated flowers collected in racemose inflorescences.

The most popular varieties:

  • Brass Mankins - ampel variety; the color of the buds is yellow-orange;
  • Foyerking - the variety is distinguished by red inflorescences, the petals of which are completely covered with brown specks, and the pharynx is colored yellow;
  • Magic Spots - a plant up to 15 cm high, the flower petals acquire a creamy white hue and are covered with raspberry spots.
  • Twinkle Mix - undersized variety with inflorescences different shades: from snow-white to brown-purple, from solid to contrasting;
  • Viva - the variety does not exceed the mark of 25 cm in height, the flowers are bright yellow with large bloody spots.

  • Mimulus cupreus (copper-red sponge) is a compact perennial. The stems are bare, up to 15 cm in height, slightly rise above the ground, and among them axillary inflorescences bloom on thin peduncles. Their color is copper with wine or orange overflow. The buds are small, up to 3 cm in diameter, gradually brighten and turn golden.

The view includes several garden forms:

  • Roter Kaiser - a variety with deep red flowers;
  • Andean Nymph - a plant with creamy inflorescences dotted with pale purple specks;
  • Red Imperer - blooms with bright red inflorescences.

  • Mimulus primuloides (known as primrose mimulus)- a view with a rosette of oblong leaves, above which graceful peduncles with yellow buds rise. The species is perennial, the height of the shoots is not more than 15 cm from the height.

  • Mimulus moschatus (musk lip)- Endemic to North America. It is a herbaceous perennial crop. The stems are erect, and in some varieties creeping, covered with pile, 30-35 cm long. The leaves actively secrete mucus, spreading a musky aroma, oval, opposite, leaf length 5.5-6 cm. The flowers are miniature, honey-colored.

Mimulus growing from seeds

Lipstick is predominantly grown seedling method. It is not difficult to sow the seeds, but since they are very small and more like dust, you need to work with them carefully. Their size is so small that more than 10 thousand pieces can be counted in 1 g.

When to sow mimulus seeds

The favorable period for sowing seeds is determined climate zone and the weather. In the southern regions, mimulus seeds can be sown in February. In cooler latitudes, it is better to postpone sowing until March-April.

Seeds are sown in prepared containers with cells, which are subsequently placed on a balcony or in a heated greenhouse.

Soil selection and sowing of mimulus seeds

Mimulyus seeds germinate safely on soil enriched with organic matter. Therefore, it is better to use a nutrient-rich soil with a low or neutral pH.

A purchased universal soil mixture is also suitable, but it needs to be enriched with peat and sand. An admixture of coconut fiber and perlite is also welcome.

Ideally, you need to do the soil yourself. To do this, a part of the turf and two parts of the leaf substrate are combined, as well as one part of peat and sand, and three parts of humus. The resulting mixture should be loose, moist and breathable. You will also need to make a drainage ball at the bottom of the container.

The technology of sowing sponge seeds is due to their size. They are carefully scattered on top of the soil in cassettes, without embedding them into the ground. If you bury the seeds too deep, they will not be able to sprout.

Then the soil is moistened with a spray gun, the container is covered with glass, film or cut plastic cups. While maintaining the air temperature at 16-18⁰С, seedlings appear in 4-7 days.

Mimulus, seedling growing conditions

After germination, the soil cannot be watered, since weak sprouts can be severely damaged even by the most weak pressure. To maintain moisture, you need to use only a fine spray gun.

At this stage, you need to make sure that the soil does not dry out, but excess moisture is also undesirable. Too frequent irrigation of the soil can cause fungal disease"black leg", and the seedlings will die. Seedlings also need to provide plenty of sunlight or artificial light.

When a cotyledon leaf is formed on the sprouts, the container is transferred to a cool room with a temperature of +10 to +15⁰С. This will slow down the growth of seedlings a little, otherwise it will not survive the pick. Watering is also reduced, as excess moisture can harm young sprouts.

Mimulyus seedling picking

Sponge picking is a must. Since small seeds cannot be evenly distributed over the cells, seedlings germinate crowded and are unable to develop normally.

After the formation of four full-fledged leaves and roots that appeared from the lower hole, the plants are planted in separate cups. This happens 2-2.5 weeks after sowing.

200 ml cups are perfect for picking, they can be made of plastic, paper, peat. Up to four plants can be placed in one cup.

In order for the mimulus seedlings to endure the picking well, it is necessary to carry it out in the following sequence:

  1. Before picking, you need to water the soil well, give it a couple of hours so that it is sufficiently moistened.
  2. With the help of a miniature spatula or other device with a flat surface, each sprout is pulled in turn.
  3. You can grab seedlings by the cotyledon leaf, but you should not touch the leg.
  4. After separating the sprout, you need to carefully pinch its root to stimulate the growth of a healthy root system.
  5. Then the seedling is dipped into a small depression in the soil just below its growing point.

Mimulus, planting in open ground

Sponge seedlings are fragile and difficult to work with. However, mimulyus is developing rapidly, so you need to have time to land on a flower bed in time.

When to plant mimulus in the ground

As a rule, dived seedlings are planted in the garden in the last decade of May. Until this time, the seedlings have time to form properly and grow well. The ideal age of seedlings for planting is 6-8 weeks.

You can choose a sunny place for mimulyus, but under too scorching sun mimulyus can burn and wither. Therefore, it is better to stay in moderate penumbra. The soil will need slightly acidic, loamy with an admixture of peat.

Mimulus planting scheme in the garden

Before planting sponges, the site is dug up, loosened and watered. Then holes are formed in which the rhizome can fit along with a clod of earth. The distance between seedlings should be 25-30 cm. Seedlings are transplanted by transshipment.

In the southern strip, sowing seeds in open ground is practiced. If the temperature in the second half of April does not fall below 16-18⁰С, the seeds are sown without cultivation. The flower bed is covered with oilcloth until the first shoots appear. When the seedlings are fully hatched, they are thinned out.

Mimulus, planting and care in the open field

Growing sponge stick is rarely a hassle. All he needs is watering, pinching and fertile soil. Mimulus, the care of which is very simple, easily takes root after transshipment to a flower bed and blooms quickly.

Watering and feeding mimulus

Gubastic is a moisture-loving species, so you need to ensure regular watering. Whole summer period the soil should be well moistened, but the water in the soil should not stagnate. Excess moisture can lead to the appearance of holes in the foliage or the development of putrefactive bacteria. After watering, it is desirable to loosen the ground around the mimulus, remove germinated weeds.

Top dressing should be carried out every 30-45 days. For this 15-20 ml organic fertilizer bred in a bucket of water.

Mimulus blooms twice: in spring and autumn. The first period lasts a couple of weeks. When the last bud has bloomed above-ground part three-quarters is trimmed and fertilized. Soon the mimulus acquires new shoots and begins to prepare for re-blooming.

Advice! If the flowering of the mimulus is late, you need to apply magnesium sulfate once.

Mimulus pinch

In order for young seedlings to actively branch, they pinch. The beginnings of buds at the sponge appear quickly, so it is important not to miss the moment, otherwise you will have to cut off the first buds.

The formed bush will look more elegant, its shoots will be strong and thick, besides, there will be much more buds. Promotes beautiful formation bush and abundant flowering regular removal of dry shoots.

Important! Mimulyus does not tolerate excess nitrogen fertilizers. If you add too much of them, the shoots will stretch and weaken.

Diseases and pests of mimulus

Of the pests for sponges, slugs and snails are the most dangerous. Their number increases greatly under conditions high humidity soil around the plant. To prevent the invasion of these pests, the ground near the plant must be mulched with sawdust.

Sometimes the plant can be affected by whiteflies and aphids. Actellik will help to destroy insects.

The development of "black leg" and powdery mildew is also associated with excess moisture. Normalization of watering will help cure mimulus. These diseases are especially common during the period of growing seedlings. Therefore, for prevention, seedlings should be sprayed with a solution of any fungicide.

Mimulus in landscape design

Mimulus, the cultivation of which is a pleasure for every gardener, will become a real decoration spring garden. It will quickly fill empty spaces in a flower bed, enliven curvy paths, and enchant with its beauty in single plantings. Moisture-loving sponge will perfectly get used to wet areas, near water bodies, artificial ponds.

Mimulyus is used to create colorful rock gardens, colorful flower beds, hanging compositions. Also, creeping sponge varieties are a fast-growing ground cover material. It can be settled next to phlox, periwinkle, buttercups, saxifrage.

Video "Mimulus or gubastic - sowing and growing"

Mimulus is unpretentious plant. He likes nutritious and loose soils, consisting of peat and containing a sufficient amount of moisture. In sunny areas, the mimulus will fade. Maximum comfortable place in order to grow mimulus flowers from seeds, there is an area with light partial shade, which include patios or balconies. The greatest advantage of the flower is its frost resistance - the plant is able to endure a drop in temperature to -3 C.

We sow sponge

Sowing mimulus seeds is best done in the period from May to June. However, if it is planned to grow a plant for a commercial purpose, then the optimal period will be July-August. Gubastic or mimulus has extremely small seeds. One gram of seeds contains from 22,000 to 30,000 pieces. To make sowing more convenient, they are implemented in flower shops in the form of granules or sawn.

In order to grow beautiful flowers, mimulus is sown in a loose, fungal-free soil or substrate with a low salt content and an acidity level in the range of 5.5-5.8 pH.

After sowing in open ground, both ordinary and granular seeds, they are either left in this form or sprinkled lightly with vermiculite. Sowing seeds is recommended to be done in special seed boxes, which are desirable to cover with glass, and the cassettes themselves, respectively, with covering material. Technologically the right process sowing seeds advises sowing mimulus in the so-called seed cassettes, in each cell from one to three pieces.

For those who are not yet familiar with seedling cassettes, we suggest looking at the photo above.

Watching the growth

Sown granulated seeds require soil for growth, the temperature of which is in the range from 18 to 23 C. Moist soil is also mandatory. Subject to these conditions, the first shoots of mimulus can be observed in the period from two to seven days. After the cotyledon unfolds, the cassettes, or sowing, must be transferred to a cooler place where the temperature environment stays in the range from 15 to 18 C. It is also necessary to reduce the intensity of watering. It is during this period that the cultivation of mimulus becomes as responsible as possible. In other words, the soil must be constantly moist, but not so much that the knocked-out plants die from rotting or “black legs”.

We follow the optimal growth conditions

As soon as the sown seeds show a real first leaf, they should be fed with potassium and nitrogen in a ratio of 14:0:7 or K:P:N. As for dosages, they should be as follows: 0.0005% - 0.00075%, or from 50 to 70 ppm. The use of ammonium forms of nitrogen is not recommended. After the appearance of the second or third leaf, the dose of top dressing should be increased to 0.001 or 0.015% or from 100 to 150 ppm. In turn, the temperature of the soil should not exceed 16 C. If the temperature is too high, then the mimulus will begin to stretch.

Care after transplant

In the dominant number of cases, succulent mimulus plants infect slugs and snails. The invasion will be inevitable in case of its excessive moisture. Among the diseases of the mimulus, the defeat is also frequent. powdery mildew. In order to protect the plant, which was so stubbornly grown from seeds, from possible pests, it is necessary to take appropriate protective measures. However, the plant is quite resistant and practically does not get sick.

When roots appear from the bottom hole of the seed cassettes, it means that the mimulus is ready for transplanting into larger seedling cassettes: from 7 to 9 cm, or ten cm pots.

Having shown patience before such an event, you understand that cultivation has yielded results. Dive mimulyus is allowed only when the plant acquires at least two leaves. Further cultivation will consist in the fact that the soil is watered much less frequently. This is especially true of the beginning of the flowering period.

After transplanting into larger pots, feeding with potassium and nitrogen should not stop. The ratio will be 1:1:5 during this period, the dosage is 0.002% or 200 ppm. If the soil is oversaturated with nitrogen, the stem elongation of the plant will increase in case of dominance high temperatures. In order to increase the abundance of flowering, it is necessary to feed the mimulus with magnesium sulfate from one to two times at a dosage of 0.025%. In order to long time enjoy the plant as shown in the photo, it is better to use the seeds of hybrids that need a long day to bloom. In this case, mimulus will perfectly lay buds at twelve or fourteen hour days.

If you dream of a compact plant, experienced gardeners recommend growing mimulus at in large numbers light, but shade the seedlings themselves in the summer.

We dive plants correctly

Flowering mimulus at home

It is not difficult to achieve such a result, as in the provided photo, if you do everything the necessary conditions cultivation. Therefore, a few hours before picking seedlings, it is watered abundantly. Transplantation is done by prying with a pencil, a flat thin stick, but it is better to use a special spatula. It is necessary to hold the seedling not by the leg, but by its cotyledon leaves. The seedling is carefully removed from the soil and the central root is cut off by two-thirds or up to half. This will allow the lateral roots to push to develop. In the "new" soil, a small depression is made, into which the mimulyus is planted to the level of the growth point, or slightly lower. This planting will allow additional roots to form. Also, in the future, this will allow the plant to more easily transfer the transplant already on permanent place, and also rather go up.

potted products

Growing a pot culture and wanting to avoid the picking process, mimulus seeds can be sown directly in a 7 or 10 cm pot. For getting abundant flowering, seedlings must be pinched when 4 or 6 leaves are formed. Gardeners also recommend removing the first flowers that have appeared. However, such a long-term method of cultivation is resorted to in the case of further sale of mimulyus.

Components of Inalienable Success

To grow a "rich" plant, you must:
stick to temperature conditions ranging from 13 to 15 C;
constantly moisten the soil;
provide enough light;
take care of good ventilation;

An excellent option would be to use short film tunnels equipped with a shade or located in partial shade. We invite you to watch a video that fully conveys all the beauty and originality of the mimulus (lubastic).

Mimulus ( annual plant) - I discovered last year. In February, I bought leopard mimulus seeds Russian size and Winter sunset.

Description of mimulyus

At the end of March, she sowed them superficially in bowls, because the seeds are very small, after shedding the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate, and covered with glass. Ten days later, the first shoots appeared.

As soon as two true leaves appeared, I dived the leopard mimulus into separate pots in the ground for growing seedlings of flowers. Only seven plants from eight seeds.

And Mimulyus Winter Sunset decided not to dive, because. out of fifteen seeds, ten plants sprouted, and the distance between them turned out to be 5-6 cm (the recommended distance is 15-20 cm). But I decided to experiment. In mid-May, I planted all the seedlings in open ground.

Mimulus is a cold-resistant plant (survives under return frosts up to - 4 degrees), it can be planted already at the end of April with favorable conditions- as soon as the snow melts and the earth dries up.

It blooms 7-9 weeks after sowing. All plants were already in bud and bloomed a few days later.

For Mimulus, the usual coloration is yellow-orange-red-brown. But Winter Sunset has an unusual color for this plant: on a pure white field of petals there is a dense crimson speck, in some places turning into spots.

Funnel-shaped flowers with a diameter of 3-4 cm resemble orchid flowers. The plant itself is about 25 cm high, but because. the stems lie slightly, it should be planted in the foreground, and, in group plantings, it looks great, and thickening does not harm it.

Mimulus care and planting

It is desirable to plant mimulus in partial shade. It can grow and bloom well in the shade on the north side of the house. In dry weather, mimulus must be watered abundantly, because. The plant loves moisture. With insufficient watering, the flowers become smaller, it blooms worse and the leaves become yellow.

The soil should be fertile, rich in humus and peat. Faded flowers must be removed.

Subject to these conditions for the care of mimulus, it will bloom from early May until frost. It looks great near water bodies, in flowerbeds, rabatka, in containers, in rock gardens, as a ground cover. I did not notice any diseases on it, but delicate flowers slugs and snails really like mimulus, so protection is needed from them.

Mimulus leopard Russian size surprised me with the size of the flowers - 6 cm in diameter. The color of the leaves of this variety is pale yellow with thick burgundy specks, the throat of the flower is yellow with specks.

Charming mimulus flowers, reminiscent of orchids in shape and color, like bright luminous lanterns, decorated my flower garden with their exotic color all summer. I hope the miracle happens again this year.

A plant with an unusual name "Mimulus" is better known to us as Gubastic. It got its name because unusual shape corolla resembling two lips. At home, and this is a number of countries - Chile, Australia, new Zealand, western North America, this flower is affectionately called "monkey face" due to the similarity of the flower with the muzzle of this mammal.

Flower growers have long appreciated Mimulus, they are happy to grow it on their own garden plots. In gratitude, the plant gives for a long time bright, beautiful inflorescences, similar to an orchid.

Description of Mimulus

Mimulus is a perennial or annual creeping herbaceous plant. The most favorable place for the plant to grow is a swampy, humid area. Mimulus blooms from April to July. The flower "waits out" at rest during the driest time of the year, but as soon as the rainy season begins, the plant begins to bloom profusely.

Depending on the variety, Mimulus grows from 10 cm to 60 cm. Some species, under favorable conditions, begin to bush, growing up to 2 meters.

The stems of Mimulas are erect or creeping, the leaves are broadly lanceolate, opposite, with carved denticles on the sides. Inflorescences - racemose, with flowers of various shades.

Mimulus can be grown both in flower beds and in flower pots.

Varieties of Mimulus

  • Tiger Mimulus. The plant is low, grows up to 25 cm. It has racemose inflorescences with variegated flowers of different colors. Flowering time - from late May to August.
  • Tricolor Mimulus. This variety belongs to undersized species. The maximum height is 14 cm. The oval leaves of the flower are slightly pubescent, their length reaches up to 4.5 cm. The throat of the flower has a pink color and yellow and white spots in the throat. The base of each flower has maroon spots.
  • Muscat Mimulus. Your name this species received because of the mucus with the smell of nutmeg, which the plant secretes. The inflorescences of this variety are yellow, 2.5 cm in diameter.
  • —red mimulus. Stems - creeping, maximum length- 15 cm. Flowers have a copper tint. There are inflorescences of copper-yellow, red and orange shades.
  • Speckled Mimulus. This variety can be both perennial and annual. Its stems are creeping or erect, reaching a length of 10 cm to 80 cm. The inflorescences of the plant are disproportionately large tubular flowers that have a bright yellow color. The lower lip of each flower is spotted from red to brown.

Growing Mimulus from seeds at home

Growing Mimulus at home is an activity that does not require special efforts. Most acceptable way- cultivation through seedlings. In this case, the plant will bloom faster, will delight with its unusual beauty for a long time. Growing Mimulus at home

To grow healthy seedlings at home, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • sowing seeds can be carried out from the end of February to the beginning of April;
  • the soil must be necessarily slightly acidic, light and loose;
  • since the seeds are very small, they must be sown on top of the ground;
  • soil and seeds are moistened with a sprayer;
  • seedling box (container) is covered plastic wrap or glass, placed in a warm place;
  • favorable air temperature +18ºC.

How to care for seedlings of Mimulus?

Subject to all requirements, the seeds at home will begin to germinate in 3-4 days. After all the seeds have germinated, the seedling container must be moved to a cooler, lighter place, otherwise the seedlings will begin to stretch upward, their stems will be thin, brittle. Optimum temperature for normal growth and development of seedlings at home is + 10-12ºC.

Water the seedlings daily in the afternoon. Since the sprouts are very thin and delicate, it is better to water with a fine sprayer.

When the seedlings reach the phase of 4 true leaves, it is necessary to start diving. To do this, separate cups are taken, filled with soil, into which 3-4 sprouts are planted. When the transplanted plants are a little stronger, they can be fed with potash fertilizer in a weak concentration. After 1-1.5 weeks, top dressing can be repeated.

With the onset of warm days, hardening of seedlings should begin. To do this, they must be taken to Fresh air, every day increasing the time of their stay.

When and how to plant seedlings in open ground?

As a rule, Mimulus seedlings are planted in open ground in mid-May, when the return of frost is unlikely. The growing area can be either sunny or shaded. The soil should be slightly acidic. Before you start planting seedlings, the site is well dug up, loosened, equalized and necessarily moistened. After that, holes are made at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. Their depth should correspond to the root system of the seedlings, along with earthy clod. Planting is carried out by the "transshipment" method, but the containers with seedlings should be watered first.

In the southern regions, Mimulus seeds can be sown directly in open ground. Sowing is carried out in mid-April, unless the air temperature drops below +15ºC. After sowing, the bed is covered with a film, which is removed after the seeds germinate and the first shoots appear.

Mimulus Care

Since Mimulus is a moisture-loving plant, it must be watered as often as possible. The soil around the plant should always be kept moist. But if suddenly small holes appear on the leaves of the plant, watering should be stopped for a while.

In order for moisture to penetrate well into the soil, it must be loosened after watering.

Plants are fertilized once a month with mineral complex fertilizer(for 1 bucket 15 ml of fertilizer).

During its growing season, Mimulus blooms twice - in spring and autumn. The first bloom lasts only a few weeks. After that, the Mimulus bushes are cut as short as possible, and fertilizer is applied to the soil. After a little rest, the plant will begin to grow again, and flowering will be more abundant than before. During flowering, do not forget to pluck wilted inflorescences.

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