When does Scarlet Gilia bloom?

Scarlet Gilia typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of trumpet-shaped red blooms on upright stalks.

What pollinators visit Scarlet Gilia?

The tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds along with bees and moths, including hawkmoths that visit at dusk.

How much water does Scarlet Gilia need?

This plant prefers low to moderate water and grows best in well-drained soil, making it a good fit for dry slopes and rocky ground once established.

What growing conditions does Scarlet Gilia prefer?

It grows best in full sun to lightly filtered light, in open meadows, sagebrush flats, and dry montane woodland edges.

Is Scarlet Gilia toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Scarlet Gilia as toxic to livestock.

Is Scarlet Gilia HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Gilia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Scarlet Gilia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ipomopsis aggregata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Scarlet Gilia is a drought tolerant forb that blooms June through August with tubular red flowers on tall stalks. It thrives in full sun on dry, well-drained slopes and open woodlands across western mountain and high desert regions.

Toxicity unknown

Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Scarlet Gilia as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Scarlet gilia produces tall spikes of brilliant red tubular flowers that bloom through summer months. This native biennial grows from a basal rosette in its first year, then sends up flowering stems in its second year before completing its life cycle.

Growing Scarlet Gilia

Grow Scarlet Gilia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Gilia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies back completely after second year bloom cycle
Can appear weedy during first year rosette stage
Inconsistent presence due to biennial nature

Wildlife value

The bright red tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, while also providing nectar for native bees and moths. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting hummingbird migration.

Common questions

When does Scarlet Gilia bloom?: Scarlet Gilia typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of trumpet-shaped red blooms on upright stalks.
What pollinators visit Scarlet Gilia?: The tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds along with bees and moths, including hawkmoths that visit at dusk.
How much water does Scarlet Gilia need?: This plant prefers low to moderate water and grows best in well-drained soil, making it a good fit for dry slopes and rocky ground once established.
What growing conditions does Scarlet Gilia prefer?: It grows best in full sun to lightly filtered light, in open meadows, sagebrush flats, and dry montane woodland edges.
Is Scarlet Gilia toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Scarlet Gilia as toxic to livestock.
Is Scarlet Gilia HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Gilia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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.

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