Parry's Monkeyflower Plant Care
Diplacus parryi (A.Gray) G.L.Nesom & N.S.Fraga
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Diplacus parryi, also known as Parry's monkeyflower or annual red spot monkeyflower, is a species of flowering plant. This plant is native to southwestern North America.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Parry's Monkeyflower?
Plant Parry's Monkeyflower in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Parry's Monkeyflower Native To?
What Is the Parry's Monkeyflower?
Parry's Monkeyflower (Diplacus parryi) belongs to the Phrymaceae family within the Diplacus genus. Parry's Monkeyflower is native to southwestern North America.
Parry's Monkeyflower displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Parry's Monkeyflower produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Water a young or newly planted Parry's Monkeyflower every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Parry's Monkeyflower Need?
Parry's Monkeyflower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Parry's Monkeyflower Prefer?
Diplacus parryi tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Parry's Monkeyflower prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Parry's Monkeyflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Feed Parry's Monkeyflower every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Parry's Monkeyflower is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Parry's Monkeyflower can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Prune Parry's Monkeyflower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Parry's Monkeyflower in Winter?
Parry's Monkeyflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Parry's Monkeyflower?
Parry's Monkeyflower can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrowleaf bush monkeyflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Parry's Monkeyflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Parry's Monkeyflower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Parry's Monkeyflower?
Parry's Monkeyflower is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Parry's Monkeyflower Need?
Parry's Monkeyflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Parry's Monkeyflower is native to southwestern North America. In cooler regions, grow Parry's Monkeyflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Parry's Monkeyflower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Diplacus genus — compare its care with other Diplacus species on PlantoScan.
Diplacus is part of the Phrymaceae plant family — browse all Phrymaceae genera and species.
Parry's Monkeyflower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Diplacus Species
Other Diplacus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Diplacus parryi (A.Gray) G.L.Nesom & N.S.Fraga, family Phrymaceae (first published in Phytoneuron 2012-39: 27 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Parry's Monkeyflower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
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