By: Phyllis Giffard
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
Indian pink or Pink root is a clump forming herbaceous perennial with deep green ovate to lanceolate leaves growing 12-24 inches tall in shady areas. It is found naturally in moist shady woods along stream banks in the southeastern United States, however, it is a hardy plant adaptable to a variety of conditions. Flower buds form in early to mid April and bloom through the end of May. The brilliant red tubular flowers flare out at the top to reveal a bright yellow interior. Multiple flowers borne on each stem are pollinated by hummingbirds! Following pollination, plants produce two-sided seed capsules bearing four to seven seeds inside. The seedpods burst, spreading the seed away from the parent plant. Seeds are slow to germinate, so take care to let emergent seedling grow, that is don’t weed around them, you may remove the tiny seedlings! Indian pink is a truly unusual, lovely plant worth space in your garden.
From the May 2022 ANPP Newsletter
Comments