When does Fire-pink bloom?

Fire-pink blooms from May through July, producing distinctive bright red tubular flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds.

What pollinators visit Fire-pink?

Fire-pink attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The bright red tubular flowers are particularly well-adapted for hummingbird pollination.

Where is Fire-pink native?

Fire-pink is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including states from New York south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Iowa.

What growing conditions does Fire-pink prefer?

Fire-pink grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to low water conditions. It typically thrives in well-drained soils on rocky slopes and woodland edges.

Is Fire-pink HOA-friendly?

Fire-pink is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Fire-pink

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Silene virginica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Silene virginica (Fire-pink) is a native wildflower producing brilliant red tubular blooms from May through July across eastern and central United States. This striking perennial attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to woodland edges and rocky slopes.

Toxicity unknown

Fire-pink (Silene virginica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA and 19 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Fire-pink produces brilliant scarlet star-shaped flowers on slender stems from late spring through summer. This compact native wildflower forms neat clumps with narrow green leaves and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.

Growing Fire-pink

Grow Fire-pink in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Fire-pink is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

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

Wildlife value

The bright red tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, while also providing nectar for butterflies and native bees.

Common questions

When does Fire-pink bloom?: Fire-pink blooms from May through July, producing distinctive bright red tubular flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds.
What pollinators visit Fire-pink?: Fire-pink attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The bright red tubular flowers are particularly well-adapted for hummingbird pollination.
Where is Fire-pink native?: Fire-pink is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including states from New York south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Iowa.
What growing conditions does Fire-pink prefer?: Fire-pink grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to low water conditions. It typically thrives in well-drained soils on rocky slopes and woodland edges.
Is Fire-pink HOA-friendly?: Fire-pink is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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.

Ready to grow Fire-pink? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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