{"product_id":"mimulus-cardinalis-scarlet-monkey-flower-marginal-pond-plants-mp079","title":"Mimulus cardinalis (Scarlet monkey flower) - Marginal Pond Plants - MP079","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cem\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/em\u003e, is a striking perennial native to wetland areas in North America. It is highly valued for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped red flowers and its ability to thrive in moist or aquatic environments. \u003cem\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/em\u003e is a popular choice for water gardens, bog gardens, and damp landscapes, where it provides bold colour and attracts pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) and forms an upright, bushy habit. The plant has lance-shaped, dark green leaves arranged opposite along the stems, which contribute a soft, lush texture to the plant's overall appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main attraction of \u003cem\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/em\u003e is its stunning flowers. The flowers are bright red, with a distinctive tubular, trumpet-like shape that flares out at the edges. The blooms are typically about 5 cm (2 inches) long and have a unique, tubular structure that creates a \"mouth\" at the opening, which resembles the shape of a monkey's face (hence the common name). The flowers are produced in clusters along the stems from late spring to summer (typically May to August), providing an extended period of colour in the garden. The plant is also known for attracting hummingbirds, which are drawn to the bright red flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate some standing water, making it ideal for planting along the edges of ponds, in bog gardens, or in damp meadows. The plant can grow in shallow water up to 30 cm (12 inches) deep, making it well-suited for water gardens. It is hardy in the UK and can tolerate frost, regrowing in the spring after winter dormancy. It performs best in areas with consistent moisture, such as near water features or in naturally damp environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation and Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePropagation of \u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e is typically done through seed or by division. Seeds can be sown in early spring, while division can be done in early spring or autumn to maintain healthy growth and spread the plant. Once established, \u003cem\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/em\u003e is relatively low-maintenance but may require occasional trimming or deadheading to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Regular division is also recommended to control its spread and maintain compact growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent choice for water gardens, pond edges, and bog gardens. It works well as a specimen plant or in groups to create vibrant, eye-catching displays. The plant is particularly effective in naturalistic planting schemes, where its striking red flowers contrast beautifully with other wetland plants. It is also beneficial in hanging baskets or containers placed in moist, partially shaded areas. \u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e can also be planted in rain gardens or along the edges of streams to help with moisture retention and soil stabilization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEcological Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/em\u003e is a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. Its bright red flowers attract pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, which help pollinate not only \u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e but other nearby plants as well. Bees and butterflies are also attracted to the plant, increasing the biodiversity of your garden. The plant’s dense growth helps stabilise soil along water margins, reducing erosion, and it can also improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients from the surrounding environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConsiderations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile \u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e is a hardy and attractive plant, it can spread through rhizomes and self-seed, so it is important to manage its growth, especially in smaller garden spaces. It is best planted in an area where it has room to grow, or where it can be contained, to prevent it from crowding out other plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its vibrant red flowers and its ability to thrive in moist, damp conditions, \u003cem\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent addition to water gardens, bog gardens, and wetland landscapes. Its attractive blooms, wildlife benefits, and ease of care make it a standout plant for any garden that needs a pop of colour in a water-loving or moisture-rich environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose Mimulus cardinalis (Scarlet Monkey Flower)?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eScarlet Monkey Flower\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a striking perennial known for its \u003cstrong\u003evivid red flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e and its ability to thrive in wet and moist environments. This plant is perfect for adding bright color and elegance to water gardens, bogs, and damp landscapes, and it attracts pollinators while enhancing the beauty of your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Vibrant Scarlet Flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures \u003cstrong\u003ebright red, tubular flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e with a distinctive shape, resembling the face of a monkey, which is how it gets its common name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003escarlet blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e add an intense pop of color in late spring to summer, creating a beautiful contrast against the surrounding greenery and providing a focal point in the garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe flowers are attractive to \u003cstrong\u003epollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as \u003cstrong\u003ebees\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebutterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ehummingbirds\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping to support the local ecosystem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Ideal for Wet and Moist Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrives in \u003cstrong\u003emoist to wet soils\u003c\/strong\u003e and shallow water (up to 20cm\/8 inches deep), making it perfect for \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ewetland areas\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerforms well in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering flexibility in planting locations while maintaining vibrant blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Attractive Foliage and Growth Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures \u003cstrong\u003eoval, green leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e that create a bushy, compact plant, providing a soft background to its striking flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe plant grows in \u003cstrong\u003eupright clumps\u003c\/strong\u003e, adding structure and texture to the landscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Hardy and Low Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMimulus cardinalis\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003ehardy perennial\u003c\/strong\u003e that can tolerate fluctuating water levels and varying soil moisture, making it a reliable addition to a water garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce established, it requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Wildlife-Friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003escarlet flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e attract \u003cstrong\u003epollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially hummingbirds, making it a great plant for supporting local wildlife.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt also provides \u003cstrong\u003eshelter and habitat\u003c\/strong\u003e for small aquatic creatures, contributing to a healthy, biodiverse pond or wetland environment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6. Versatile in Garden Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for \u003cstrong\u003ewater gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, or even as part of a \u003cstrong\u003erain garden\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks well in \u003cstrong\u003enaturalistic planting schemes\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it can provide vibrant color and height, or in \u003cstrong\u003emixed plantings\u003c\/strong\u003e with other moisture-loving plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30–60cm (12–24 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bright red, tubular flowers resembling a monkey's face, blooming in late spring to summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moist to wet soil or shallow water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMimulus cardinalis (Scarlet Monkey Flower)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a brilliant addition to any water garden or wetland landscape. Its striking red flowers, low-maintenance nature, and pollinator-friendly qualities make it a standout choice for creating a colorful, thriving aquatic garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Lincspplants","offers":[{"title":"1 \/ 7cm","offer_id":42741639184481,"sku":"MP079-plug","price":2.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm","offer_id":42741639217249,"sku":"MP079-9cm","price":6.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Potted","offer_id":42741639250017,"sku":"MP079-9cmpot","price":8.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr","offer_id":42741639282785,"sku":"MP079-1ltr","price":10.72,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Potted","offer_id":42741639315553,"sku":"MP079-1ltrpot","price":12.67,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr","offer_id":42741639348321,"sku":"MP079-3ltr","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Potted","offer_id":42741639381089,"sku":"MP079-3ltrpot","price":23.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 2 x Pot \u0026 2 x Compost","offer_id":43646325751905,"sku":"MP079-2xpot-2xcompost","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 7cm","offer_id":43678408474721,"sku":"sku-52451936141659","price":7.41,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 \/ 9cm","offer_id":43678408507489,"sku":"sku-52451936174427","price":19.38,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 1Ltr","offer_id":43678408540257,"sku":"sku-52451936207195","price":30.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 3Ltr","offer_id":43678408573025,"sku":"sku-52451936239963","price":55.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9128\/3041\/files\/Mimulus-Cardinalis-01-scaled.jpg?v=1767952528","url":"https:\/\/secretgardeningclub.co.uk\/products\/mimulus-cardinalis-scarlet-monkey-flower-marginal-pond-plants-mp079","provider":"Secret Gardening Club","version":"1.0","type":"link"}