Ipomopsis tenuituba Plant Care
Ipomopsis tenuituba (Rydb.) V.E.Grant
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ipomopsis tenuituba, also known as slendertube skyrocket and slendertube ipomopsis, is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family Polemoniaceae. It is native to much of the western United States from California to Colorado, where it is found on rocky mountain slopes.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Plant Ipomopsis tenuituba in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ipomopsis tenuituba Native To?
What Is the Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Ipomopsis tenuituba (Ipomopsis tenuituba) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Ipomopsis genus. Ipomopsis tenuituba is native to much of the western United States from California to Colorado.
Ipomopsis tenuituba displays an upright, branching growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ipomopsis tenuituba produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Water a young or newly planted Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Ipomopsis tenuituba Need?
Ipomopsis tenuituba thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ipomopsis tenuituba Prefer?
Ipomopsis tenuituba tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Ipomopsis tenuituba prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ipomopsis tenuituba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Feed Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
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.
Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
How Do You Prune a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Prune Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
How Do You Care for a Ipomopsis tenuituba in Winter?
Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
How Do You Propagate a Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Ipomopsis tenuituba can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scarlet gilia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ipomopsis tenuituba Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ipomopsis tenuituba, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ipomopsis tenuituba?
Ipomopsis tenuituba 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ipomopsis tenuituba Need?
Ipomopsis tenuituba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ipomopsis tenuituba is native to much of the western United States from California to Colorado. In cooler regions, grow Ipomopsis tenuituba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Ipomopsis tenuituba is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ipomopsis genus — compare its care with other Ipomopsis species on PlantoScan.
Ipomopsis is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.
Ipomopsis tenuituba thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ipomopsis Species
Other Ipomopsis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ipomopsis tenuituba (Rydb.) V.E.Grant, family Polemoniaceae (first published in Aliso 3: 361 (1956)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ipomopsis tenuituba, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
