Indian pink

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Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) is currently the highlight of our front and back yards. It was the subject of a blog in 2010, after I first planted it in the backyard. At that time, I declared it to be one of my favorite native plants, and that’s still true.

It has attractive blooms and nice foliage, and it’s quite hardy and drought resistant. It’s about 12-16″ high, and grows well in shade or part-shade. According to what I read, it also attracts hummingbirds. I’ve enjoyed it so much that I decided I wanted it more visible to others, and planted these by our front door.

Indian pinks at front door

The plants are attractive from a distance and the brilliant red blossoms topped by contrasting yellowish stars are even more striking when seen up close.

Indian pink close-up

Visitors have commented on the blossoms, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing them as I come and go. When they finish blooming, I’ll cut off the old blossoms and look forward to them blooming again in about a month.

If you have a bit of space in shade or part-shade and don’t have Indian pinks, I hope you’ll consider giving them a try.

16 thoughts on “Indian pink”

    1. Patsy, I can imagine Indian Pinks would grow along that that road, and if so, you would likely notice them.

  1. So beautiful to see a striking looking plant that will grow in the shade – I shall be on the hunt for this at the garden nurseries as I found several ON gardeners raving on-line about it too. Your close-up image is stunning! I think I see a little ant making it’s way through the flowers :-).

    1. Yes, Marsha, you did see an ant, though I didn’t see it until I looked at the photo on the computer. I was wondering if any one else would notice it.

  2. One of my favorite plants! I also have it by my front door! Thanks for your posts. Happy summer! Jane

    1. Jane, seems like we both had the same idea. If I could only have it in one place, the front door is where I would want it.

  3. What a striking plant indeed! And yes, i too noticed the little ant, useful creatures…..
    ….. but can be a nuisance at times. I do hope the Hummingbirds will pay a visit
    to these attractive flowers, and that you may even be able to photograph them
    in action! Many thanks for your posts, always a joy to view. Pauline

    1. Thanks, Pauline. Haven’t seen any hummingbirds yet but still hopeful. I have enjoyed some butterflies, especially the pipevine swallowtail. Hope you’re enjoying blooms and butterflies on Jersey Island.

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