How much sun does Scarlet Gilia need?

Scarlet Gilia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Gilia bloom?

Scarlet Gilia blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Scarlet Gilia native?

Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Scarlet Gilia toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Scarlet Gilia attract?

Scarlet Gilia draws hummingbirds, bees, and moths.

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: August 2026

Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is a biennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw hummingbirds, bees, and moths.

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

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 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

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

How much sun does Scarlet Gilia need?: Scarlet Gilia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Gilia bloom?: Scarlet Gilia blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Scarlet Gilia native?: Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Scarlet Gilia toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Scarlet Gilia as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Scarlet Gilia attract?: Scarlet Gilia draws hummingbirds, bees, and moths.
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.

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 Gilia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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