Ipomopsis

( eye - poh - MOP - sis )

At-A-Glance Information

This interesting, narrow trumpet-shaped flowers are native to the Americas and need full sun. They thrive in low-water conditions and their flowers will attract hummingbirds. They have a wildflower look to them, and are best when massed together Flowers can either be yellow-and-red or red, and bloom in summertime.

iPOMOPSIS Species and Varietals

The genus Ipomopsis is a member of the plant family Polemoniaceae and includes 29 species. The best growing zones for these flowers vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. ​To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ipomopsis aggregata (Gilia aggregata) (Scarlet Trumpet, Scarlet Gillia, Skyrocket)
This biennial plant grows best in zones 1-3, 6-14 and 18-21. It is native in the areas of the West Coast in California up to British Columbia, then east to the Rocky Mountains. It grows to 2.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with red-marked yellow flowers (sometimes pure yellow) that are held in clusters. 

Ipomopsis arizonica (Arizona Firecracker, Arizona Ipomopsis)
These plants are native to southeastern California, southern Nevada and northern Arizona. These are monocarpic plants, flowering and setting seed once before dying. Flowers are bright red and pollinated by hummingbirds.

Ipomopsis congesta (Ballhead Ipomopsis)
This species is native to many areas in western North America, and varies in appearance. They can be creeping (to 4 inches tall) or erect (to 12 inches tall). Flowers are funnel-shaped and white to cream in color, commonly with pale yellow throats.

Ipomopsis polyantha (Pagosa Ipomopsis, Pagosa Skyrocket, Archuleta County Standing-Cypress)
This species is endemic to Colorado and is threatened by habitat loss in its range in Archuleta County. Flowers are white with tiny purple dots, and stamens are tipped with blue pollen that matures to yellow. 

Ipomopsis rubra (Gilia rubra)
This plant is either a biennial or perennial, and is best in zones 2, 3, 7-9 and 14-24. It is native to the southern United States and grows to 6 feet tall and a foot wide. Flowers are red on the outside and yellow-marked red on the inside.

Ipomopsis sancti-spiritus (Holy Ghost Ipomopsis)
Endemic to New Mexico, this species is considered endangered, and is at high risk for extinction. Plants reach between 12 and 31 inches tall, and flowers are bright pink and tubular. 

Ipomopsis spicata (Spiked Ipomopsis)
This species is native to the western United States and produces cream-colored flowers in springtime. These plants can grow in many distinct habitats, and therefore there are many cultivars and subspecies.

Ipomopsis tenuifolia (Slenderleaf Skyrocket, Slenderleaf Ipomopsis)
These plants are native to Mexico, California, and Arizona, and grow in deserts and chaparral landscapes. These plants have narrow to threadlike leaves and produce inflorescences of between one and seven bright scarlet flowers. Stamens have white to purple anthers and stigmas are white.

Ipomopsis tenuituba (Slendertube Skyrocket, Slendertube Ipomopsis)
This species is native to western North America, mainly California and Colorado. Flowers are very pale pink to medium pink, sometimes with white striping. It is a perennial species, but monocarpic. 

Caring for ipomopsis

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Ipomopsis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 376, Ipomopsis
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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