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Standing Cypress Seeds (Ipomopsis rubra) - Native Wildflower

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Spectacular Native Standing Cypress - A Hummingbird's Dream

Ipomopsis rubra, commonly known as Standing Cypress, Texas Plume, or Scarlet Gilia, is a breathtaking native biennial that creates a stunning vertical accent in your garden. This remarkable wildflower produces towering spikes of brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers that can reach up to 6 feet tall, creating a dramatic focal point that's absolutely irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Exceptional Features:

  • Hummingbird Magnet: Tubular red flowers are perfectly designed for hummingbird feeding
  • Impressive Height: Dramatic 4-6 foot spikes create stunning vertical interest
  • Long Blooming: Flowers continuously throughout summer months
  • Heat Tolerant: Thrives in hot, sunny conditions where other plants struggle
  • Self-Seeding: Establishes naturalized colonies for years of enjoyment

Growing Information:

Height: 4-6 feet | Spread: 1-2 feet | Sun: Full sun | Soil: Well-draining, sandy or rocky preferred | Zones: 6-9

Planting Guide: Direct sow in fall for spring germination, or cold stratify seeds for 30 days before spring planting. Seeds need light to germinate - barely cover with soil. Forms rosette first year, blooms second year.

Create a spectacular hummingbird garden centerpiece while supporting native wildlife with this towering beauty that bridges the gap between wildflower meadows and formal garden borders.

Height 3-6 ft
Light requirements Full Sun 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily Part Sun 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily Part Shade 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily Shade Under 4 hours of direct sunlight daily Full Shade 0-3 hours of sunlight daily, preferably morning sun. Can be filtered (dappled) light to deep shade Dappled Light Soft, shifting pattern of sunlight and shade when sunlight filters through the leaves Full Sun
Water Low
Bloom Time Summer (June-August), 2nd year
Stratification Cold moist stratification 4-6 weeks recommended
Soil Well-drained, sandy/rocky
Attracts Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Here's a guide to planting Ipomopsis rubra (also known as Scarlet Gilia or Standing Cypress) seeds in the USA:

Site Selection

Sunlight: Ipomopsis rubra thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: It prefers well-drained, dry to medium moisture soil. Sandy or rocky soils are ideal. It's crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Space: This biennial or short-lived perennial typically grows 2-6 feet tall, so choose a location where it has enough space to grow and spread.

Direct Sowing Outdoors
Fall Planting: The best time to sow seeds directly outdoors is in the fall. This allows the seeds to naturally overwinter and germinate in the spring.
Preparation: Lightly rake the soil to loosen the top layer and remove any debris.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds very shallowly, barely covering them with a thin layer of soil or sand, as they need light to germinate.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until seedlings emerge.

Spring Planting: If planting in spring, do so about 6 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
Preparation: Prepare the seedbed as described above.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds as described above.
Watering: Water regularly until seedlings are established.

Starting Seeds Indoors
Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
Stratification: Ipomopsis rubra seeds benefit from cold stratification. To do this:
Mix seeds with slightly moistened sand or vermiculite.
Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag.
Refrigerate for 4-6 weeks.
Planting:
Use seed starting mix and plant seeds very shallowly in pots or trays.
Keep the soil moist and provide warmth (70-75°F) for germination.
Transplanting: Once seedlings have a few sets of true leaves and the weather has warmed, transplant them outdoors. Harden them off gradually before transplanting.

Maintenance Tips
Watering: Once established, Ipomopsis rubra is drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing: It doesn't need much fertilizer.
Staking: Taller plants may need staking to prevent them from falling over, especially in windy areas.
Deadheading: Remove spent flower heads to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.

Invasiveness
Ipomopsis rubra is native to the southeastern US and is not considered invasive. However, it can self-seed readily in ideal conditions. If you want to control its spread, remove seed heads before they mature.
Additional Notes

Scarification: Scarification is not necessary for Ipomopsis rubra seeds.
Pollinators: These plants are excellent for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
Deer Resistance: Ipomopsis rubra is relatively deer-resistant.

Important Considerations
Ipomopsis rubra is a biennial, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. It will produce a rosette of leaves the first year and flower the second year. After flowering, it will die, but it will often self-seed to produce new plants.
To ensure continuous blooms, you can sow seeds in successive years.

Standing Cypress Seeds - Native Ipomopsis Rubra | Scarlet Hummingbird Magnet
Ipomopsis rubra
Standing Cypress

Native Plant Map

Dark Green indicates the plant is native within the state, yellow rare, the lime green indicates where the plant is native and seen more within a state.

Map Credits BONAP©2024

Frequently asked questions

Why didn't my seeds germinate?

Most of the time, the seeds aren't dead. They're waiting. Many native wildflowers have built-in dormancy that keeps them from sprouting until they've been through a winter. If they skip that cold, moist period, they can sit in the soil and do nothing. Other common causes:

  • Planted too deep. Many native seeds are tiny and need light to germinate. Press them onto the soil surface instead of burying them.
  • The soil dried out. Seeds need steady moisture for the first few weeks after they start to wake up.
  • Not enough time. Some natives sprout within weeks. Others take a full season or longer, and a few come up the following spring.
  • Competition. Weeds and turf grass can crowd out seedlings before you notice them.

If your seeds haven't come up, don't dig up or till the area. Mark the spot, keep the weeds down, and give it another season. Many "failed" plantings fill in the next spring.

When is the best time to plant native seeds?

For most native wildflowers, late fall through early winter is the best time. Sowing then copies what happens in nature: the seeds drop in autumn, go through winter cold and moisture, and sprout when the soil warms in spring. Plant after your first hard frost, so the seeds don't sprout early and get killed by the cold.

If you miss fall, you can still plant in spring. Seeds that need a cold period will do better if you cold stratify them first. Mix them with damp sand or vermiculite, seal them in a labeled bag, and keep them in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 days before sowing. Check each seed's product page or packet QR code for its own instructions, since needs vary by species.

Why aren't my native plants blooming in the first year?

That's normal. Most native perennials put their first year or two into building deep roots, not flowers. Those roots are what make native plants tough, drought-tolerant, and long-lived once they're established. A common rule of thumb is "first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap." Be patient, keep weeds under control, and let the plants settle in. The blooms are worth the wait.

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