How much sun does Scarlet Spiderling need?

Scarlet Spiderling grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Spiderling bloom?

Scarlet Spiderling blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Scarlet Spiderling native?

Scarlet Spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea) is native to AZ, CA, FL, GA and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Scarlet Spiderling attract?

Scarlet Spiderling draws bees and butterflies.

Is Scarlet Spiderling HOA-friendly?

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

Scarlet Spiderling

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Boerhavia coccinea

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, FL, GA and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

Scarlet spiderling is a low-growing native perennial with small, bright red to magenta flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. This drought-tolerant groundcover spreads moderately and thrives in hot, sunny locations with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Spiderling 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.

Very informal appearance looks weedy to most HOAs
Small flowers and sprawling habit lack visual impact
May be confused with actual weeds by neighbors

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. Small native bees are particularly attracted to the tiny but numerous flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Spiderling need?: Scarlet Spiderling grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Spiderling bloom?: Scarlet Spiderling blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Scarlet Spiderling native?: Scarlet Spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea) is native to AZ, CA, FL, GA and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Scarlet Spiderling attract?: Scarlet Spiderling draws bees and butterflies.
Is Scarlet Spiderling HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Spiderling 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 Spiderling? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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