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Slendertube Skyrocket

Ipomopsis tenuituba

Last reviewed: June 2026

Slendertube Skyrocket (Ipomopsis tenuituba)
Photo: aspidoscelis / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Slendertube skyrocket is a delicate annual wildflower that produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white during late spring and summer. This compact native reaches up to 2 feet tall with fine, narrow foliage and requires minimal water once established. It works well in rock gardens, naturalized areas, or mixed with other drought-tolerant perennials.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slendertube Skyrocket 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.

  • Annual lifespan means plants die each year
  • May look sparse or weedy without dense planting
  • Wildflower appearance conflicts with formal landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and also provide nectar for native bees. As an annual, it offers seasonal wildlife value during its blooming period from May through July.

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.

Does Slendertube Skyrocket fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.