About Erythranthe cuprea (Dombrain) G.L.Nesom
Erythranthe cuprea is similar to Erythranthe lutea, but has a short life span. Unlike most monkey-flowers, which typically have yellow or red flowers, this species has unusual coppery-orange to coppery-red flower coloring, though occasional yellow flower morphs can occur. This unusual flower color does not impact pollination by bees, and Erythranthe cuprea has a high rate of self-pollination. Its leaves are oval with toothed edges. The plant reaches a height of roughly 20 to 30 centimeters (7.9 to 11.8 inches), and its flowers measure 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. It flowers during the summer. Erythranthe cuprea is endemic to central and southern Chile, where it grows in wet locations such as riverbanks. There are multiple commercial cultivars available: 'Fire Dragon', 'Fire King', 'Highland Red', 'Inshriach Crimson', 'Plymtree', 'Red Emperor', 'Scarlet Bay', 'Scarlet Bee', 'Whitecroft Scarlet' and 'Wisley Red'. Most of these cultivars are hybrids developed by crossing Erythranthe cuprea with either Erythranthe lutea or Erythranthe guttata. This short-lived perennial is grown as an ornamental plant, and is often treated as an annual in cultivation. In horticultural writing, it is still referenced under the older name Mimulus cupreus. The cultivar 'Whitecroft Scarlet' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. For successful cultivation, it needs a sheltered position in consistently moist soil, and grows best in partial shade.
