Mimulus (Monkey flower) Mimulus 'Viva' Type: Half-hardy annual (perennial in zone 9 and above) Height: 12-15in/30-38cm Season: Early summer to first frosts Situation: Beds or containers; full sun to half shade, moist soil. How's this for a spectacular plant! Some mimulus are grown as perennials in the water garden or in damp patches in the rock garden &endash; this is a summer annual. Reaching about 12in (30cm) in height in soil which does not become too dry it produces these boldly splashed yellow flowers all summer. Although the seeds are very small, 'Viva' has the invaluable quality not only of developing very quickly after germination but doing so in relatively cool conditions. It makes wonderful container plant in partial shade, and in borders is perhaps best placed amongst early flowering perennials where their green foliage can provide a good background for these sparkling flowers.   Mimulus (Monkey flower) A-Z   ©copyright 1998 Graham Rice. All Rights Reserved. All Images Digitally Watermarked.