Scarlet Tasselflower: A Vibrant Non-Native Annual for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a splash of fiery color in your garden, you might have stumbled across scarlet tasselflower (Emilia coccinea). This eye-catching annual brings brilliant orange-red blooms to the landscape, but there’s more to know about this tropical beauty before you decide whether it belongs in your garden.
What is Scarlet Tasselflower?
Scarlet tasselflower is an annual forb—essentially a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. Originally hailing from tropical Africa, this plant has made itself at home in warmer parts of the United States. You might also see it listed under its former scientific name, Cacalia coccinea, in older gardening references.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, scarlet tasselflower has naturalized in Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, where the warm climate suits its tropical origins perfectly. While it’s established populations in these areas, it’s considered non-native throughout its U.S. range, meaning it wasn’t originally found here before human introduction.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
The real showstopper with scarlet tasselflower is its vibrant display of bright scarlet-orange tubular flowers that appear in dense, rounded clusters. These cheerful blooms create excellent color contrast against green foliage and can serve several roles in your landscape:
- Colorful borders and edges
- Container plantings for patios and decks
- Wildflower garden additions
- Cottage garden charm
- Tropical-themed landscapes
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
Butterflies and other small pollinators find the nectar-rich flowers quite attractive, making this plant a good choice if you want to support local pollinator populations. The tubular flower shape is particularly appealing to butterflies with longer tongues.
Growing Conditions and Care
Scarlet tasselflower is refreshingly easy to grow, which might explain how it’s managed to establish itself in the wild. Here’s what it prefers:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight)
- Soil: Well-draining soil of average fertility
- Water: Moderate moisture; avoid overwatering
- Climate: USDA zones 9-11 for perennial growth; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones
Planting and Care Tips
Growing scarlet tasselflower is straightforward, making it suitable for beginning gardeners:
- Start from seeds sown directly in the garden after the last frost
- Seeds germinate quickly in warm soil
- Space plants about 12 inches apart
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Be aware that plants readily self-seed
- No special fertilizing needed in average soils
Should You Plant It?
While scarlet tasselflower isn’t considered invasive, its non-native status means it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as plants that evolved alongside local wildlife. If you’re drawn to its bright colors and easy care, it can certainly add cheerful appeal to your garden. However, you might also consider native alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) for red blooms
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) for orange-red tubular flowers
- Native milkweeds for pollinator support
The Bottom Line
Scarlet tasselflower offers vibrant color and easy care for gardeners in warm climates. While it’s not native to the United States, it’s not currently listed as problematic either. If you choose to grow it, enjoy its cheerful blooms while being mindful that it may self-seed readily. Consider pairing it with native plants to create a balanced garden that’s both beautiful and ecologically supportive.
