Scarlet Gilia
Ipomopsis aggregata
Scarlet gilia is a dramatic Rocky Mountain wildflower with brilliant red trumpet-shaped blooms atop tall, slender stems, celebrated as a magnet for hummingbirds and a spectacular sight in western mountain meadows.
Polemoniaceae (Phlox family)
Late spring to early fall (May–September); timing varies by elevation
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: roses and lily (true lily)s also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Scarlet gilia is an iconic symbol of the American Rocky Mountains, associated with the wild freedom and dramatic beauty of western landscapes. Its rocketing spires of brilliant red flowers against mountain skies have made it a beloved emblem of the untamed West. The nickname "skyrocket" captures its soaring appearance and bold color, linking it culturally to themes of aspiration and brilliance.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, exposed mountain environments
Water
Low to moderate; prefers dry to moderately moist conditions; drought-tolerant once established
Soil
Sandy, Rocky, Well-drained, Low fertility
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds in fall for spring germination — requires a cold stratification period
Plant in sandy, well-drained soil; does not tolerate wet or clay-heavy conditions
As a biennial, it forms a leafy rosette in year one and flowers in year two
Allow plants to self-seed for a naturalized colony that returns each year
Grows best at higher elevations or in cool-summer climates; struggles in heat and humidity
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Native wildflower and cottage gardens
- Rocky mountain-style and naturalized landscape plantings
- Hummingbird and pollinator gardens
- Wildflower seed mixes for western landscapes
- Cut flowers for informal arrangements
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Rocky Mountain region in limited applications
- The strong-smelling foliage (earning the nickname "skunk flower") contains glands that deter herbivores; no widely established medicinal use in modern herbalism
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scarlet Gilia
Why is scarlet gilia called skyrocket?
Scarlet gilia is nicknamed "skyrocket" because of its tall, single stem topped with clusters of vivid red tubular flowers whose petals curve back as if blown by the wind — evoking the visual drama of a rocket soaring through the sky.
Is scarlet gilia a perennial or biennial?
Scarlet gilia is typically a biennial. In its first year it grows a low rosette of leaves, and in its second year it sends up its tall flowering stalk. It self-seeds readily and can appear perennial in favorable spots.
Does scarlet gilia attract hummingbirds?
Yes — scarlet gilia is one of the premier hummingbird-attracting wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains. Its long, narrow red tubes are specially shaped for hummingbird pollination, and the two have a very close ecological relationship.
Why is scarlet gilia also called skunk flower?
Scarlet gilia earned the nickname "skunk flower" because of the pungent, musky odor produced by glands in its basal leaves. The smell is thought to deter leaf-browsing animals while the flowers remain attractive to pollinators.
Where does scarlet gilia grow naturally?
Scarlet gilia is native to western North America, growing primarily in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia south through the western United States to New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. It thrives in mountain meadows, open forests, and rocky slopes.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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