How much sun does Scarlet Pea need?

Scarlet Pea grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Pea bloom?

Scarlet Pea blooms in March, 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

3"–6" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, 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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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 March, 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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