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Scarlet Beeblossom

Gaura coccinea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Scarlet Beeblossom (Gaura coccinea)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Scarlet Beeblossom (Gaura coccinea) 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

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Gaura coccinea is a compact native wildflower that produces delicate white to pink flowers on slender stems from June through September. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Beeblossom is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

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

  • May look sparse in winter when dormant

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies throughout summer and fall. Hummingbirds are also attracted to the tubular flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Beeblossom need?
Scarlet Beeblossom grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Beeblossom bloom?
Scarlet Beeblossom blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Scarlet Beeblossom native?
Scarlet Beeblossom (Gaura coccinea) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Scarlet Beeblossom attract?
Scarlet Beeblossom draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Scarlet Beeblossom HOA-friendly?
Scarlet Beeblossom is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz