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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Phrymaceae (previously Scrophulariaceae) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange Red |
| Bloomtime: Year-round |
| Synonyms: [Diplacus] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Mimulus 'Sunset Ridge' (Monkeyflower) - A small sub-shrub to 2 feet tall with narrow dull green leaves and flowers with a beautiful combination of orange and red, similar to the best of sunsets. Plant in well-drained soils full sun to light shade. Water infrequently or not at all once established. This plant was collected on Sunset Ridge in the San Gabriel Mountains by Tom Nuccio of Nuccio's Nursery in Altadena. Sunset Ridge, a ridge across the canyon from Nuccio's Nursery, was the site of a pre-1900s dwelling. Tom Nucio speculated that the person who had lived there had planted Mimulus which may have crossed with Mimulus aurantiacus native to the site. There were several different color forms collected from the site. In the newest treatment in the Jepson Flora Project on the tribe Mimuleae, which includes Diplacus, Mimulus, and Mimetanthe, these plants have been removed from the Figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, and placed with the genus Phryma (previously included in Verbenaceae) into the new family Phrymaceae. The woody species of Mimulus that are the parents of most of the hybrids have been separated into the genus Diplacus in the past but current treatment in the Jepson manual considers all to be in the genus Mimulus. The generic name is from the Latin word 'mimus' meaning "mimic actor" that is derived from the Greek word 'mimos' that means means "imitator" and references the flowers that look like painted faces. Some taxonomical studies indicate that the genus Mimulus now only has about seven species and these are from eastern North America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and Madagascar with many of remaining species, including those from California, assigned to the genus Erythranthe. We await broader recognition of this before we make any change to our listing so as not to confuse ourselves and our customers
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Mimulus 'Sunset Ridge'.
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