Indian Pinks (Spigelia marilandica) is a strikingly beautiful native wildflower throughout central and southeastern U.S. It is sometimes called “woodland pinkroot”. This perennial grows well in many parts of the U.S. (Zones (5b-9). Plants emerge in mid-spring. Sometime in June, depending on locality, their bright red tubular flowers flare open, crowned by five sharply pointed pale yellow reflexed lobes. By the 4^th of July flowers will provide floral fireworks in your garden.

Indian pinks prosper around a rich moist open woodlands or shade garden. They grow equally well in mixed containers. Plant in a well-drained, mildly acidic soil that is generously amended with compost or humus. A partially sunny site in full morning to dappled sunlight is ideal. Irrigate plantings during summer dry periods and avoid wet soggy soils.

In older plantings vigorous plants will grow 2 – 2.5 feet tall. Leaves are arranged opposite on the stem, attached directly to the main stem (no petioles), as well as an entire (toothless) margin. Plants stand erect and are rarely branched.

New plantings of Indian pink often start off slowly, taking 2-3 years to reach maximum flowering. Create a dazzling display by setting five or more plants en masse. Over the years in good humus-rich soil, Indian pinks often naturalize and look stunning. Flowering time may be extended over several months by swift removal of the old spent flowers (deadheading).

The brightly colored flowers attract numerous pollinating insects and provides food for hummingbirds. No disease and pest problems cause Indian pink any troubles.

The popularity of Indian pinks continues to increase. In recent years, the U.S. native plant industry have been adding new clones of Indian pinks to their catalogs and many more garden centers, not box stores, are selling them. Tissue culture labs are also producing them. Relatively new in stores is a vegetatively propagated clone ‘Little Redhead’ which demonstrates high vigor and plant uniformity. (24-28 inches high and 20-24 inches wide).

Another Indian Pinks selection, ‘Ragin Cajin’, has orange red flowers on a rounded plant form (20-24 inches high and wide). This selection from Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh is highly floriferous and performs well in either sun or shade. (20-24 inches high and wide).