Blood-drop Emlets

Mimulus luteus, often known as the Monkey Flower, is a cheerful and vigorous marginal perennial that has naturalised in many parts of the UK. It produces lush, bright green, succulent-looking foliage that forms low mounds. From early summer through to autumn, it is covered in bright yellow, snapdragon-like flowers that are often decorated with small, dark red or maroon spots (hence the name 'Blood-drop'). It is exceptionally easy to grow and will quickly cover bare pond edges or damp banks. It reaches a height of about 30-40cm. While it is hardy (H4), it is often short-lived, but it compensates by self-seeding freely in wet mud. It can be grown in very shallow water or moist soil. It is particularly effective at softening the edges of pre-formed pond liners. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, provided the soil never dries out.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Wet soil or very shallow water.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.