Indian Pink Information: How To Grow Indian Pink Wildflowers

Indian pink wildflowers (Spigelia marilandica) are found across most areas of the southeastern United States, as far north as New Jersey and as far west as Texas. This stunning native plant is threatened in many areas, primarily due to indiscriminate harvesting by overzealous gardeners. Spigelia Indian pink is easy to grow, but if you have a hankering for growing Indian pink plants, be a good sport and leave Indian pink wildflowers in their natural environment. Instead, purchase the plant from a greenhouse or nursery that specializes in native plants or wildflowers. Read on for more Indian pink information.

Spigelia Indian Pink Information

Indian pink is a clump-forming perennial that reaches mature heights of 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.). The emerald-green foliage provides delightful contrast to the vivid red flowers, which appear in late spring and early summer. The flared, tube-shaped flowers, highly attractive to hummingbirds, are made even more interesting by the bright yellow insides that form a star when the bloom is open.

Growing Requirements for Indian Pink Wildflowers

Spigelia Indian pink is a good choice for partial shade and doesn't do well in full sunlight. Although the plant tolerates full shade, it is likely to be long, leggy, and less attractive than a plant that gets a few hours of daily sunlight. Indian pink is a woodland plant that thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil, so dig an inch or two (2.5-5 cm.) of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting.

Caring for Indian Pink

Once established, Indian pink gets along just fine with very little attention. Although the plant benefits from regular irrigation, it is tough enough to withstand periods of drought. However, plants in sunlight require more water than plants in partial shade. Like most woodland plants, Spigelia Indian pink performs best in slightly acidic soil. The plant will appreciate regular feeding with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as rhodies, camellias, or azaleas. Indian pink is easy to propagate once the plant is well established in about three years. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings in early spring, or by planting seeds you have collected from ripe seed capsules in summer. Plant the seeds immediately.