Scarlet Pimpernel: A Tiny Wildflower with Big Personality
If you’ve ever noticed tiny, bright orange-red flowers peeking out from sidewalk cracks or vacant lots, you’ve likely encountered the scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis arvensis). This diminutive annual has quite the story to tell – from its European origins to its widespread presence across North America today.
What Is Scarlet Pimpernel?
Scarlet pimpernel is a small herbaceous annual that belongs to the forb family – essentially a non-woody flowering plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Don’t let its size fool you, though. These little plants pack a colorful punch with their star-shaped, five-petaled flowers that typically measure about a quarter-inch across.
The flowers are the real showstoppers here, displaying vibrant orange-red (or sometimes blue) petals that open in sunny weather and close when clouds roll in. This weather-predicting behavior earned the plant the charming nickname poor man’s weatherglass in some regions.
Where Does It Come From and Where Is It Now?
Originally native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and western Asia, scarlet pimpernel has become quite the world traveler. This non-native species has established itself across an impressive range in North America, thriving in locations from Canada’s maritime provinces all the way down to Puerto Rico.
You can find scarlet pimpernel growing in virtually every U.S. state, from Alabama to Wyoming, and across Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Newfoundland. It’s become particularly common in disturbed areas, agricultural fields, and urban environments.
Should You Grow Scarlet Pimpernel in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. While scarlet pimpernel isn’t considered invasive or noxious based on current data, it’s definitely an opportunistic little plant that knows how to spread. Here are some considerations:
Reasons You Might Want to Grow It:
- Adds bright pops of color to rock gardens and naturalized areas
- Attracts small pollinators like bees and beneficial insects
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Requires virtually no maintenance once established
- Perfect for cottage garden or wildflower meadow aesthetics
Reasons to Think Twice:
- Self-seeds readily and can spread beyond intended areas
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native alternatives
- May compete with native wildflowers in naturalized settings
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the idea of small, colorful wildflowers but want to support local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives that offer similar charm:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for prairie gardens
- Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) for sunny, dry areas
- Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium species) for delicate, star-shaped flowers
How to Grow Scarlet Pimpernel Successfully
If you decide to give scarlet pimpernel a try, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to grow. This little survivor isn’t picky about much!
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Annual plant suitable for USDA zones 2-11
Planting and Care Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in spring after the last frost
- Barely cover seeds with soil – they need light to germinate
- Space plants about 6 inches apart
- No fertilizing needed – rich soils actually reduce flowering
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
- Expect the plants to self-sow for next year’s display
The Bottom Line
Scarlet pimpernel is undeniably charming, and there’s something delightful about a plant that can predict the weather! While it’s not native to North America, it’s also not currently flagged as problematic in most areas. If you choose to grow it, do so mindfully – perhaps in containers or well-defined garden areas where you can manage its spread.
Remember, the most sustainable gardens often feature native plants that support local wildlife and ecosystems. But sometimes, a little splash of international color can add personality to the right garden setting. The choice is yours!
