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Diplacus aurantiacus

orange bush monkeyflower

Phrymaceae

Western North America (California Floristic Province)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Diplacus aurantiacus is an evergreen subshrub native to the coastal ranges of western North America, growing 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and spreading 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) wide. Stems are woody at the base and branch into a rounded, open framework. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, dark green above, and coated with a sticky resin that gives the foliage a glossy, varnished surface. From spring into summer the plant carries tubular, two-lipped flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long in shades of orange, apricot, and pale yellow, each flaring into five lobes. The flowers draw hummingbirds and native bees, and the species hybridizes readily with related monkeyflowers where ranges overlap. D. aurantiacus grows on dry slopes, rock outcrops, and chaparral, tolerating drought and lean soils once established. In cultivation it is short-lived, often persisting three to five years before declining, and it can look sparse after summer heat induces partial dormancy. Hard frost damages the evergreen foliage below about 20F (-7C). Growth is rapid in the first seasons, slowing as the woody base matures.

Native Range

Diplacus aurantiacus is native to the Pacific Coast of North America, from southwestern Oregon through California to northern Baja California. It grows in coastal scrub, chaparral, and open woodland below about 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

Suggested Uses

D. aurantiacus is used in water-wise and native-plant gardens, on dry banks, and in coastal and chaparral restoration plantings. It suits rock gardens and large containers with fast-draining mix. Plants are spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart.

How to Identify

Recognize D. aurantiacus by its sticky, resin-coated lance-shaped leaves with edges that often roll under. The tubular, two-lipped flowers are 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long and range from orange to apricot and cream. Stems are woody and brittle at the base, branching into an open shrub. Crushed foliage carries a faint resinous scent.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread2' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer

D. aurantiacus blooms from March to July, with scattered flowers continuing later where summers are mild and moisture is available. Peak flowering occurs in late spring. In hot interior sites bloom ends earlier as the plant enters summer dormancy.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange to apricot and pale yellow

Foliage Description

dark green, resinous

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

D. aurantiacus grows in full sun to part shade and requires sharp drainage, growing on sandy, rocky, or decomposed-granite soils. Water needs are low once established, and the species declines in soils that stay wet, especially in winter. It withstands extended drought by dropping leaves and entering summer dormancy. Hardy in USDA zones 8-10, it suffers foliage damage below about 20F (-7C) and may die to the base in colder spells. Light spring feeding supports bloom, while rich soil produces weak, floppy growth. Plants are short-lived and are often replaced every few years.

Pruning

D. aurantiacus responds to light tip pruning after the main bloom to limit legginess and renew branching. Cutting stems back by up to one third in late summer rebuilds the framework. Hard pruning into old wood often fails to resprout.

Pruning Schedule

summer