Red Bush Monkeyflower
Diplacus puniceus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Diplacus puniceus is a low-water shrub with tubular red-orange flowers blooming March through June. It suits sunny, well-drained slopes in coastal sage scrub style gardens.
Red Bush Monkeyflower (Diplacus puniceus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
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Red Bush Monkeyflower is a compact native shrub with tubular red flowers that bloom from spring through early summer. It has bright green leaves and a mounding growth habit, thriving in full sun with minimal water once established.
Growing Red Bush Monkeyflower
Grow Red Bush Monkeyflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Bush Monkeyflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look less tidy if not occasionally pruned
Wildlife value
The tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds as primary pollinators, while also supporting native bees during its extended blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Red Bush Monkeyflower bloom?
- It typically flowers from March through June, with the heaviest bloom in spring on coastal-facing slopes.
- What pollinators visit Diplacus puniceus?
- Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular red-orange flowers, and various bees also visit for nectar and pollen.
- How much water does this shrub need?
- It does best with low water once established and can suffer from root rot if watered too often in summer.
- What light conditions suit it best?
- Full sun works well near the coast, while part sun or light part shade is better for inland or hotter garden sites.
- Is Red Bush Monkeyflower toxic to dogs?
- Red Bush Monkeyflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Red Bush Monkeyflower toxic to cats?
- Red Bush Monkeyflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Red Bush Monkeyflower HOA-friendly?
- Red Bush Monkeyflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Red Bush Monkeyflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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