Scarlet betony
Stachys coccinea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Scarlet betony (Stachys coccinea) is a perennial forb native to TX, NM, AZ. It blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Scarlet betony (Stachys 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"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
TX, NM, AZ
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
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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A mounding, semi-woody perennial forb with soft, hairy, wrinkled foliage and spikes of tubular scarlet-red flowers held above the foliage through the warm season. Thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and tolerates heat and drought once established.
Growing Scarlet betony
Grow Scarlet betony in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scarlet betony is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Tubular red flowers are a strong hummingbird magnet and also draw bees and butterflies for nectar throughout a long bloom season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scarlet betony need?
- Scarlet betony grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Scarlet betony bloom?
- Scarlet betony blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Scarlet betony native?
- Scarlet betony (Stachys coccinea) is native to TX, NM, AZ, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Scarlet betony attract?
- Scarlet betony draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
- Is Scarlet betony HOA-friendly?
- Scarlet betony is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Scarlet betony? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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