Scarletcreeper
Ipomoea hederifolia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Scarletcreeper is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AZ, FL, GA and 3 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, butterflies
Scarletcreeper is a fast-growing annual vine that produces bright red tubular flowers from summer through fall. This climbing plant can reach 10 feet in height and needs support structures like trellises or fences. The vibrant blooms create striking vertical displays in the garden.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scarletcreeper is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Requires proper support structure to look intentional
- Fast growth needs regular pruning to prevent overgrowth
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare support structure
Wildlife value
The bright red tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and also draw butterflies. This vine provides excellent nectar sources during the late growing season when many other flowers are declining.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scarletcreeper need?
- Scarletcreeper grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Scarletcreeper bloom?
- Scarletcreeper blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Scarletcreeper native?
- Scarletcreeper (Ipomoea hederifolia) is native to AL, AZ, FL, GA and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Scarletcreeper toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Scarletcreeper is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Scarletcreeper toxic to cats?
- Yes. Scarletcreeper is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Scarletcreeper attract?
- Scarletcreeper draws hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Is Scarletcreeper HOA-friendly?
- Scarletcreeper is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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.
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