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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts 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.

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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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