Scarlet Spiderling: A Tough Native with a Wandering Spirit
If you’re looking for a plant that laughs in the face of drought and poor soil, let me introduce you to scarlet spiderling (Boerhavia coccinea). This scrappy little native has been quietly thriving across the American Southwest and Southeast for ages, and it’s got some serious survival skills that might just make it the perfect addition to your low-maintenance garden.
What Exactly Is Scarlet Spiderling?
Scarlet spiderling is a perennial wildflower that’s as tough as nails and twice as determined. You might also see it listed under its synonym Boerhavia caribaea, but don’t let that confuse you – it’s the same resilient plant. This native beauty has made itself at home across an impressive range of states, from the desert Southwest to the humid Southeast.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This adaptable native calls home to a surprising number of states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. That’s quite a range for any plant, and it speaks to just how adaptable scarlet spiderling really is.
Why Your Garden Might Love Scarlet Spiderling
Here’s where things get interesting. Scarlet spiderling brings some serious benefits to the table:
- Those tiny scarlet flowers are absolute magnets for butterflies and small pollinators
- It’s practically bulletproof when it comes to drought – perfect for water-wise gardening
- As a native plant, it supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- It fills in spaces quickly as a ground cover
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
The Not-So-Fine Print
Now, before you rush out to plant scarlet spiderling everywhere, there’s something you should know: this plant has wanderlust. It self-seeds enthusiastically and can spread more aggressively than you might expect. Think of it as nature’s way of ensuring survival, but it means you’ll want to be thoughtful about placement.
Perfect Spots for Scarlet Spiderling
This isn’t your formal garden border kind of plant. Scarlet spiderling shines in:
- Naturalized areas and wildflower meadows
- Rock gardens and xeriscapes
- Slopes and areas with poor soil
- Desert-style landscapes
- Areas where you want low-maintenance ground cover
Growing Scarlet Spiderling Successfully
The beauty of scarlet spiderling lies in its simplicity. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and asks for very little:
Light: Full sun is where it’s happiest, though it can tolerate some light shade.
Soil: Well-draining is key. Sandy, rocky, or even poor soils are perfect. Rich, moisture-retentive soils might actually be too much of a good thing.
Water: Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant. In fact, overwatering is more likely to cause problems than underwatering.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting scarlet spiderling established is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart (though they’ll fill in quickly)
- Water regularly during the first few weeks, then back off
- No fertilizer needed – this plant actually prefers lean conditions
- Deadhead flowers if you want to prevent aggressive self-seeding
The Bottom Line
Scarlet spiderling is one of those plants that proves native doesn’t have to mean boring. With its cheerful red flowers and incredible toughness, it’s a fantastic choice for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss. Just remember to give it space to roam, or be prepared to manage its enthusiastic spreading habits. In the right spot – think naturalized areas, rock gardens, or drought-tolerant landscapes – scarlet spiderling can be exactly the low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly groundcover you’ve been looking for.
Whether you’re creating a water-wise garden or simply want to support native pollinators, this tough little native might just surprise you with its charm and resilience.
