Branched Gilia Plant Care

Branched Gilia (Ipomopsis polycladon) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Ipomopsis genus. Branched Gilia is native to much of the western United States and northern Mexico. Branched Gilia is also known as Branched Ipomopsis.

Branched Gilia displays an upright, branching growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Branched Gilia produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Branched Gilia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Branched Gilia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ipomopsis polycladon tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Branched Gilia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Branched Gilia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Branched Gilia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Branched Gilia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Branched Gilia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Branched Gilia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Branched Gilia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Branched Gilia can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scarlet gilia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Branched Gilia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Branched Gilia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Branched Gilia is native to much of the western United States and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Branched Gilia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.