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Native Plant Society of Texas

Scarlet Standing Cypress

Ipomopsis aggregata

Other common name(s):

Skyrocket, Scarlet Gilia, Skunkflower

Family:

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

3
to
6
ft.

Spread

.25
to
.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Biennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Showy, attractive accent for landscape. Let the flowers go to seed to keep up the biennial cycle: low rosettes in the first year and 2-4 ft tall plants with flowers the second year. Rosettes can be transplanted to other parts of your garden, in late fall, but dig deep to get the tap roots. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms May-October. Grows with a tall, upright form. In upper leaf axils and at tops of sparsely-leaved stems are clusters of bright red or deep pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. Deeply lobed leaves have a faint skunky smell. The fruit is a capsule.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IPAG. 3) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=19295&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 4) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Ipomopsis+aggregata&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 5) Wasowski, Sally and Wasowski, Andy, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region, 1988, 1991, pg 156. 6) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=31192#null

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification For best germination rate, stratify in cold-moist peat moss for 30-45 days prior to sowing.8 germination rate is 90% when stratified. 6 Seeds could be sown right away, but germination rate is poor for some ecotype. Grows in a wide range of medium that drains well. Perlite could be mixed in potting medium to improve drainage. Top surface of growing container with sand to prevent seeds being washed away when watering. Sow November to early December in greenhouse after stratifying seeds that were collected in the same summer. Allow seedlings to access full sun, water every other day on cooler weather, every day on dry, hot weather. Seed emerge in six weeks. Flower heads could be collected into a paper bag post-bloom. Allow flower heads to dry completely before gently crushing to expose seeds. Seeds are light brown colored. Seeds must be collected before capsules burst and release seeds. 1) https://courses.washington.edu/esrm412/protocols/2018/IPAG.pdf 2) https://klamathsiskiyouseeds.com/product/ipomopsis-aggregata-scarlet-gilia/#:~:text=To%20germinate%20scarlet%20gilia%20seeds%2C%20you%20can:,reseed%20if%20it%20has%20the%20right%20conditions. 3) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://frontrange.wildones.org/wp-content/images/sites/105/2025/06/Ipomopsis-aggregata-full-page-Reduced-File-Size.pdf
Seed No Treatment Gently scatter the seeds of scarlet gilia on top of a well-draining soil mixture in a flat or a pot. These seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil, just press them lightly into the surface. Water the seeds lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to mist the surface without disturbing the seeds. Maintaining a consistent moisture level is crucial for germination. Place the pot in a location where it receives bright, indirect sunlight. Scarlet gilia germinates best under bright light conditions, which mimic its native alpine habitat. Keep the germination environment between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler nighttime temperatures can help mimic scarlet gilia's natural setting and enhance germination rates. Once seedlings develop several true leaves and are sturdy enough, transplant them to their final location. Ensure each seedling has enough space to grow without competition for light and nutrients. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Ipomopsis_aggregata.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason