Muskflower (Mimulus moschatus)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
Cultivation
Prefers rather moist places such as damp borders, margins of streams and boggy spots. Hardy to at least -15°c. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only lightly cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can also be sown in situ in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of softwood, 5cm long in spring or summer.
Edible uses
Young plant - boiled and used for food.
Habitat
Naturalized in wet places in England and Eastern Ireland.
Native range
Western N. America - British Columbia to Montana and California. Naturalized in Britain.