Diplacus puniceus

Bush Monkey Flower (Diplacus puniceus) is a small shrub native to the coast areas of Southern California. It grows to about 2 feet high, has dark green leaves, and bright red trumpet-shaped flowers that can last for most of the year. However, the blooming period depends greatly on the rainfall pattern. It is an important food source for hummingbirds. It prefers full sun by the coast and part shade inland.

In most cases, this plant needs to go semi-deciduous in the summer. Direct watering in late summer or early fall with often kill this plant. Best to let it go dormant for the hottest months of the year, and then watch it come back with the rains. Healthy plants will readily reseed.