Scarlet Gilia

(Ipomopsis aggregata)

Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ipomopsis aggregata, commonly known as Scarlet Gilia or Skyrocket, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb that is native to open woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes in the western United States and Mexico. It is particularly adapted to montane and subalpine zones, thriving in areas with well-drained soils. Scarlet Gilia can vary significantly in height, from about 12 inches in alpine regions to over 5 feet in lower elevations such as southern Texas. Its striking red, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, and occasionally into fall, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. The flowers can also exhibit colors ranging from white to orange-red and pink, with pink being prevalent in high mesa areas of Colorado. Although yellow flowers have been reported, they are very rare. The plant’s basal leaves are fernlike, with silver specks and fine white pubescence, forming a rosette that lies close to the ground to retain warmth.

Scarlet Gilia is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in wildflower gardens, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for xeriscaping. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained, sandy soil with low water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that although it can regrow after herbivory, excessive browsing by deer and other animals may be a concern in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Red
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes in montane and subalpine zones

Other Names

Common Names: Skyrocket , Scarlet Skyrocket , Scarlet Trumpet , Skyrocket Gilia , Ipomopsis À Fleurs Agglomérées , Eldgilia

Scientific Names: Ipomopsis aggregata , Gilia aggregata subsp. euaggregata , Gilia aggregata var. typica , Gilia scariosa , Gilia aggregata f. aurea , Gilia aggregata f. candida , Gilia aggregatata , Gilia aggregata f. ventrensis , Gilia attenuata f. helleri , Gilia attenuata f. ventrensis , Gilia candida f. scariosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Ipomopsis aggregata (Pursh) V.E.Grant