Anagallis arvensis

RHS Plant Profile
scarlet pimpernel

Other common names

bird's eye, bird's tongue, burnet rose, clockflower, common pimpernel, eyebright, little Joan, poor man's weatherglass, red chickweed, red pimpernel, shepherd's clock, shepherd's weatherglass, sunflower, wink-a-peep, gwlydd mair

Annual Biennial

A low-growing, creeping annual with stems to 30cm long and small, solitary, orange to scarlet or occasionally blue flowers, 10-15mm in diameter

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Anagallis can be annuals or evergreen perennials of creeping habit, with small leaves and solitary, 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in any soil but prefers well-drained, light soils in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free