Texas Plume

My grandmother gave me the seeds to a Texas plume.  It seems to act like a biennial, flowering only during its second year before dying off its third year. However, it does reseed itself.  What else can you tell me about this plant?

Known as Texas plume or scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis rubra) this beautiful biennial makes a nice addition to a naturalized planting or perennial garden. The first year the plant grows only about 3 inches tall and produces only leaves. Large plantings of one years old plants provide an airy groundcover.  The next year the plant stretches toward the sky reaching heights of 6 feet. The long orange flower spikes provide color throughout much of the summer. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil for best results. Sow seeds several years in a row to ensure a colorful bloom every summer.

Related

Audio

Planting Annual Vines

Audio

Stretch Your Planting Budget

Audio

Increase Your Garden’s Beauty with Late Spring Grooming

Audio

Gomphrena, Also Known as Globe Amaranth