How much water does Southern Bush Monkeyflower need?

Diplacus longiflorus is a low water shrub once established, doing best with infrequent summer irrigation and good drainage. Overwatering in hot, humid conditions can cause root problems.

What light conditions suit Diplacus longiflorus best?

This shrub grows well in full sun along the coast and inland, and tolerates part sun or light part shade, especially in hotter inland gardens where some afternoon shade reduces stress.

When does Diplacus longiflorus bloom?

Flowering typically runs from March through June, with tubular blooms opening earlier in mild coastal areas and later at higher or cooler inland sites.

What pollinators visit Diplacus longiflorus flowers?

The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds along with bees and butterflies, which use the long corolla shape to access nectar.

Is Southern Bush Monkeyflower HOA-friendly?

Southern Bush Monkeyflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Southern Bush Monkeyflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Diplacus longiflorus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Diplacus longiflorus is a low water shrub suited to full sun or light shade, thriving on dry slopes and chaparral banks. It produces tubular pale yellow to pink flowers from March through June that draw hummingbirds and bees.

Southern Bush Monkeyflower (Diplacus longiflorus) 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

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Diplacus longiflorus (Southern Bush Monkeyflower) is a compact, evergreen shrub with vibrant tubular orange to salmon flowers that bloom profusely in spring through early summer. It features attractive glossy green foliage and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations with minimal water once established.

Growing Southern Bush Monkeyflower

Grow Southern Bush Monkeyflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Southern Bush Monkeyflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Can look slightly sparse or leggy if not occasionally pruned
May need deadheading to maintain tidy appearance after flowering

Wildlife value

This native shrub is a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies, while also attracting native bees. The tubular flowers are particularly well-suited for hummingbird feeding.

Common questions

How much water does Southern Bush Monkeyflower need?: Diplacus longiflorus is a low water shrub once established, doing best with infrequent summer irrigation and good drainage. Overwatering in hot, humid conditions can cause root problems.
What light conditions suit Diplacus longiflorus best?: This shrub grows well in full sun along the coast and inland, and tolerates part sun or light part shade, especially in hotter inland gardens where some afternoon shade reduces stress.
When does Diplacus longiflorus bloom?: Flowering typically runs from March through June, with tubular blooms opening earlier in mild coastal areas and later at higher or cooler inland sites.
What pollinators visit Diplacus longiflorus flowers?: The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds along with bees and butterflies, which use the long corolla shape to access nectar.
Is Southern Bush Monkeyflower toxic to dogs?: Southern Bush Monkeyflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Southern Bush Monkeyflower toxic to cats?: Southern Bush Monkeyflower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Southern Bush Monkeyflower HOA-friendly?: Southern Bush Monkeyflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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.

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