San Diego Bush Monkeyflower

Diplacus aridus

Native to:
Mexico, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Phrymaceae
Genus:
Diplacus
Species:
Diplacus aridus
USDA Symbol:
DIAR6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, orange
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from woody base following fire; adapted to chaparral fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers arid, rocky environments typical of desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Surface sow; seeds require light for germination. Best germination with fresh seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI