Spigelia is beautiful and easy to care for
SPIGELIA, A BEAUTIFUL Kentucky native perennial flower, is slowly becoming more widely available at your local garden centers. Also known as Indian pink or pinkroot, spigelia was often available in small quantities in early spring before the flowers emerged, but it would go unnoticed as a simple green plant. Now, it’s not uncommon to see them in bloom and ready for sale, helping them grow in popularity.
In its native habitat, spigelia can be found in part shade to shade, and in rich, moist soils. It also tolerates wet soils. In our landscape, it can actually thrive in partly sunny or even full sun locations with adequate water. Newer cultivars like Ragin’ Cajun and Little Redhead are known to be more sun tolerant and produce more flowers than the straight species.
A natural upright habit helps to show off spigelia’s bright red tubular flowers, and it can grow 18 to 24 inches tall. Spigelia begins to bloom in May, continues into June and then will bloom sporadically through the summer. Its red tubular flowers are tinged in yellow that looks like a star, and it is attractive to hummingbirds.
Once planted, spigelia is low maintenance. It is known for its longevity in the garden, so once you plant it, you will enjoy it for many years to come without having to do a thing. Take the time to place it in the perfect spot so you don’t have to try to move it later, causing undue stress.
Choose to plant one or several of this Kentucky native and you won’t be disappointed. When people see it bloom in your garden they will ask, “What is that?” You can proudly tell them it’s a fabulous native plant called spigelia.
