Quick answer: Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is native to 13 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Igneous |
| Bloom | Aug-Oct |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for hummingbirds |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Scarlet gilia
Where is Scarlet gilia native?
Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is native to 13 states across the South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Scarlet gilia bloom?
Scarlet gilia blooms Aug-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Scarlet gilia need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Dry. Soil: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Igneous. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Scarlet gilia good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for hummingbirds.
Is Scarlet gilia deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Scarlet gilia is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Scarlet gilia?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Ipomopsis aggregata by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Scarlet gilia.
- Creeping Oregon grape Mahonia repens
- Smooth sumac Rhus glabra
- Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Colorado blue columbine Aquilegia coerulea
- Firecracker penstemon Penstemon eatonii
- Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.