Spigelia marilandica (Indian Pink)

Native perennial • Shade-tolerant hummingbird plant • Summer bloom

Spigelia marilandica is a southeastern woodland native prized for its red-and-yellow tubular blooms that flare like tiny trumpets. It thrives in part shade and draws hummingbirds more reliably than most perennials in the eastern U.S.

 Light

• Part shade to bright shade
  
  

• Morning sun / afternoon shade ideal
  
  

• Handles full shade but bloom decreases
  
  

• Avoid intense afternoon sun in hot climates
  
  

Shade + moisture = best combo.

 Water

• Prefers evenly moist soil
  
  

• Water weekly during establishment
  
  

• Tolerates short dryness once established
  
  

• Avoid letting it dry out in high heat
  
  

 Soil

• Rich woodland loam
  
  

• Moist but well-drained
  
  

• Add leaf mold or compost
  
  

• Mulch with shredded leaves
  
  

Avoid standing water and soggy clay.

 Hardiness

• USDA Zones 5–9
  
  

• Loves southeastern humidity
  
  

• Strong perennial in SC woodlands and shade borders
  
  

 Blooming

• Late spring into early summer
  
  

• Sometimes reblooms lightly if deadheaded
  
  

• Major hummingbird attraction
  
  

• Supports butterflies and native bees
  
  

Color contrast is spectacular in shade gardens.

Growth Habit

• Upright, clumping
  
  

• 1–2 ft tall
  
  

• Slowly spreads (not aggressive)
  
  

• Excellent midsize woodland perennial
  
  

Planting Notes

Depth: plant crown level
Spacing: 12–18 inches

Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots from heat.

Best Landscape Uses

• Shaded pollinator gardens
  
  

• Woodland borders
  
  

• Moist shade foundations
  
  

• Hummingbird habitats
  
  

• Pathway edges under trees
  
  

• Bright spots in part-shade areas
  
  

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Heuchera
  
  

• Ferns
  
  

• Asarum canadense
  
  

• Spigelia + Cardinal Flower combo = hummingbird fireworks
  
  

• Woodland phlox
  
  

• Trillium
  
  

 Native Value

One of the strongest shade-tolerant hummingbird natives in the U.S. Offers summer nectar just as many spring bloomers fade.

⚠ Common Problems

Wilting in heat

Needs more afternoon shade or water.

Sparse bloom

Too much shade, give morning sun if possible.

Slow growth

Normal, Spigelia rewards patience.