Southern Bush Monkeyflower

Southern Bush Monkeyflower is a drought-adapted California native that defies harsh conditions with bold color and resilience. From spring through early fall, this woody subshrub puts on a show of vivid yellow to orange trumpet-shaped flowers — often with reddish throats — that invite a steady stream of hummingbirds. Its long bloom time and tolerance for heat and lean soils make it a garden workhorse, especially in dry Mediterranean-style or chaparral-inspired plantings.

Evergreen in mild climates, this monkeyflower typically grows 2–4 feet tall and wide, forming a bushy, informal shape with soft, green foliage. It excels on slopes, in rock gardens, or tucked into dry borders where drainage is sharp. A great choice for wildlife habitat gardens, it supports pollinators and provides light shelter for small creatures.

While it’s best suited to the dry summer climates of Southern California, Longflower Monkeyflower can thrive elsewhere with protection from summer rain and high humidity. Pair it with other drought-tough species like sage, buckwheat, or manzanita for a landscape that requires little but gives back plenty.

• Soil & Water: Requires excellent drainage and minimal water once established. Avoid overhead irrigation.
• Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
• Lifespan: Semi-woody and long-lived if not overwatered. May decline quickly in clay or poorly draining soils.
• Mulch: Use gravel or rock mulch instead of organic to reduce humidity at the crown.
• Location: Best in full sun with good air circulation; avoid planting in areas with high summer humidity or rainfall.