How much sun does Scarlet Pea need?

Scarlet Pea grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Pea bloom?

Scarlet Pea blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Scarlet Pea native?

Scarlet Pea (Indigofera miniata) is native to AL, FL, KS, LA and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Scarlet Pea HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Pea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Scarlet Pea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Indigofera miniata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Scarlet Pea (Indigofera miniata) 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

3"–6" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, FL, KS, LA and 2 more states

Pollinators

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

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Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Scarlet Pea.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Scarlet Pea is a low-growing native wildflower that forms spreading mats of small compound leaves. It produces tiny orange-red pea flowers nearly year-round, creating consistent color in sunny, dry areas. This drought-tolerant groundcover works well as a living mulch or border edging.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Pea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

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

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies and other small pollinators throughout most of the growing season. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Pea need?: Scarlet Pea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Pea bloom?: Scarlet Pea blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Scarlet Pea native?: Scarlet Pea (Indigofera miniata) is native to AL, FL, KS, LA and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Scarlet Pea attract?: Scarlet Pea draws butterflies.
Is Scarlet Pea HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Pea 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.

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

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