Red Bush Monkeyflower
Diplacus puniceus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Diplacus puniceus is a drought-tolerant California native shrub that produces striking red tubular flowers from March through June. This Red Bush Monkeyflower thrives in full sun and attracts hummingbirds and bees to 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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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?
- Diplacus puniceus blooms from March through June, producing tubular red flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
- What pollinators visit Red Bush Monkeyflower?
- This California native shrub attracts both hummingbirds and bees with its bright red tubular flowers during the spring and early summer blooming period.
- How much water does Diplacus puniceus need?
- Red Bush Monkeyflower is drought-tolerant and requires low water once established, making it well-suited for water-wise California gardens.
- Where is Red Bush Monkeyflower native?
- Diplacus puniceus is native to California, where it grows naturally in chaparral and woodland habitats.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Red Bush Monkeyflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz