Spigelia marilandica

Photos by Mark Dwyer

It was a short 10 years ago that I was first introduced to this plant, and I’ve been since thankful for that fortuitous meeting. It was late spring, and I was wandering through the beautiful Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens (Devon, Pennsylvania). Down near a pond, I saw hints of bright red from a distance, and as I was drawn in for closer inspection, I noted a very healthy and robust plant smothered in red, trumpet-shaped flowers featuring a yellow interior. Once properly identified, I became an immediate fan and proponent for Indian pink, which is native to the southeastern United States (hardy to zones 5-9).

Reaching heights of 18-24 inches, this clump-forming perennial prefers a neutral pH as well as moist, rich soils with good drainage (essential). The emerald-green, glossy leaves (oppositely arranged) are a wonderful backdrop for the flowers that bloom from the bottom of the plant to the top in late spring into early summer. Upward-facing, these ruby-red, tubular flowers extend to 2 inches in length with the interior yellow conspicuously flaring at the top of the flower, appearing like a vibrant “yellow star.” Deadheading spent blooms will result in prolonged flowering. Hummingbirds love these flowers, and flowering stems are long-lasting in fresh arrangements.

Tolerating both deer and rabbits, this perennial does prefer partial sun, but I’ve seen it in full sun situations (with adequate moisture) where it has produced even more prolific flowering. More sun also equates to a more compact plant. I like to use this plant as an accent or in groupings for the impact of those “hot” flowers. Propagation is typically by spring sown seed or root divisions. The variety ‘Little Redhead’ is touted as a superior selection and is vegetatively propagated. To me, it seems a bit more compact and more floriferous. I’m also very excited about the variety ‘Ragin Cajun’ from Tony Avent at Plant Delights Nursery. This selection is nicely rounded and features a bright orange-red cast to the flowers.