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.
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.
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.
Beautiful! I think I saw this plant growing along the road to Shaker Landing years ago. So striking.
Patsy, I can imagine Indian Pinks would grow along that that road, and if so, you would likely notice them.
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 :-).
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.
Those are really pretty. I love your close-up shot of the blooms! 🙂
Thanks, Judy.
Beautiful plant…
I totally agree, Sara.
Betty, do you think these would survive our colder Chicago winters? They certainly are attractive.
David, according to the USDA Plant Database, Indian Pink is native to Illinois, http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SPMA3 so I’m guessing there’s a good chance it would do OK.
I definitely have those on my “wish list”. Thanks Betty!
Christine, glad to know you’re thinking of giving it a try.
One of my favorite plants! I also have it by my front door! Thanks for your posts. Happy summer! Jane
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.
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
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.