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How to Grow Indian Pink

Indian Pink

Spigelia marilandica

flower

Indian Pink is a charming native wildflower with striking tubular flowers that are red on the outside and yellow inside, arranged in a coiled spike. This shade-loving perennial is prized by gardeners for its unique beauty and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It's an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders.

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Example Indian Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Indian Pink

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Indian Pink blooms

    Around Aug 15

    ≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Indian Pink dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to dappled shade; 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers evenly moist conditions. Water deeply during establishment and dry periods. Mulch to retain moisture.
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 120-150 days from seed to flowering
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or barely cover; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter content
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost leaf mold peat moss aged bark

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing after germination

Keep soil moist and provide bright indirect light. Seedlings are slow-growing initially. Protect from direct sun.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately on stems, forming a bushy mound

Maintain consistent moisture and apply mulch. Provide shade and rich soil with regular feeding. No pruning needed.

3

Flowering

6-8 weeks (typically June-July)

Distinctive tubular red and yellow flowers appear in dense, coiled spikes at the stem tips

Continue regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming. Stake if needed for support.

4

Seed Development

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade and small seed capsules form along the flowering stems

Allow some flowers to remain for self-seeding if desired. Reduce watering slightly as plant prepares for dormancy.

5

Dormancy

October-April

Above-ground foliage dies back; plant rests underground as a dormant root crown

Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Protect root crown with mulch in colder zones. Avoid disturbing roots.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Coral bells (Heuchera) Hostas Epimedium Solomon's seal Woodland phlox Astilbe Bleeding heart

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants Goutweed (Aegopodium) English ivy Mint species

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity by misting; spray with water or insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure good air circulation.

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning; use copper barriers or beer traps. Encourage natural predators.

  • Remove affected leaves; prune out infested growth. Apply neem oil if infestation is heavy.

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if necessary.

Uses

🍳

Traditional herbal remedy

Culinary

Historically used in traditional medicine by Native Americans and early colonists to treat parasitic infections and digestive issues, though modern use is limited due to toxicity concerns. [source]

🦋

Hummingbird and pollinator magnet

Wildlife

The bright red tubular flowers are irresistible to ruby-throated hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent native plant for wildlife gardens. [source]

🏠

Cut flower and garden accent

Household

The exotic-looking flowers make striking cut arrangements and provide season-long interest in woodland gardens and shaded borders with minimal maintenance. [source]

🎨

Native plant gardening

Craft

As an eastern United States native, it's essential for ecological restoration and native plant landscapes, supporting regional pollinators and wildlife. [source]

Harvest Tips

Indian Pink is grown as an ornamental; harvest flowers for cutting in the morning when dew has dried. For seed collection, allow flowers to mature completely, then harvest seed capsules in late summer before they split open. Dry capsules indoors and extract seeds for storage.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Indian Pink's flower structure is specifically adapted for hummingbird pollination—the shape and red-and-yellow coloring are precisely what attracts ruby-throated hummingbirds.
  • 🌱 The plant was historically used by Native Americans as a natural dewormer, earning it another common name 'Wormgrass,' though it contains toxic alkaloids and should not be ingested.
  • 🌱 It's sometimes called 'Carolina Pink' or 'Pink-root' and was an important medicinal export from colonial America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Deadhead Germination Mulch Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves
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