Royal Catchfly is a stunning Missouri native wildflower that brings scarlet intensity to the summer garden. This clump-forming perennial grows 3 to 4 feet tall and produces small clusters of vivid 5-petaled, scarlet red flowers across 2 inches wide from July through August. Hardy in zones 5 to 8, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and handles drought with ease, making it a resilient choice for rocky, well-drained gardens where many perennials struggle.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-8
48in H x 24in W
—
High
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Bright scarlet flowers appear in dense clusters against long, slender, often reclining stems clothed in downy, lance-shaped foliage. The plant's distinctive sticky calyx traps small insects, earning its memorable common name. Hummingbirds are drawn to the showy blooms throughout the summer months, while the plant's ability to flourish in poor, dry, rocky soils gives it an edge in challenging landscapes where fussier perennials fail.
Royal Catchfly serves as a pollinator magnet in native plant gardens and mixed perennial borders. Its striking scarlet flowers attract hummingbirds and other insects throughout the summer, making it valuable for wildlife gardening. The plant's low water needs and tolerance of poor soils position it well for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and naturalized settings that celebrate native flora.
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“Royal Catchfly is a native wildflower of the Ozark region of Missouri, occurring naturally in the open woods, wood margins, and prairies of the state's dry, rocky terrain. This species has adapted to thrive in shallow, gravelly soils where moisture is scarce, making it a plant shaped by its landscape rather than deliberately bred in a nursery. Its presence in the wild has allowed gardeners to access authentic regional genetics that retain the plant's resilience and character.”