© abelkinser, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Spigelia spp.
pinkroot
The Americas (south-eastern United States to tropical South America)
Overview
Spigelia spp. is a genus of herbaceous perennials and annuals in the family Loganiaceae, native to the warmer parts of the Americas. Plants form upright, clumping stems 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall with paired, oval, pointed leaves along squared stems. From late spring into summer the stems end in one-sided cymes of narrow, tubular flowers that flare into a five-pointed star at the mouth. In the much-grown S. marilandica, called Indian pink, the tubes are deep red outside and yellow within, drawing hummingbirds. The genus grows in moist, humus-rich woodland and streamside soils in part shade and spreads slowly into tidy clumps. Some species, including the annual S. anthelmia, contain alkaloids that are poisonous if eaten, and several have a history of medicinal use against intestinal worms. Foliage of the perennial species dies back over winter. Hardiness for the hardy species runs roughly USDA zones 5 to 9.
Native Range
Spigelia spp. is native to the Americas, from the south-eastern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to tropical South America. Species grow in moist woodlands, along streams, and in clearings, from temperate forests to the tropics.Suggested Uses
Used in shaded borders, woodland and native plant gardens, and pollinator and hummingbird plantings. Spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart, plants form upright clumps. The red-and-yellow flowers of S. marilandica also suit part-shade containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from late spring into summer, generally May to July, with a lighter rebloom into late summer if cut back. The tubular flowers open in sequence along the one-sided cyme. In red-flowered species the bloom draws hummingbirds and long-tongued bees.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red outside and yellow within in S. marilandica; varies by speciesFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in part shade to dappled sun in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil at a slightly acidic to neutral pH from about 5.5 to 7.0. Even moisture suits them, and they tolerate fuller sun where soils stay reliably damp. The clumps are slow to establish but long-lived once settled, and they resent hot, dry, or compacted ground. A spring mulch of leaf mould conserves moisture and feeds the surface roots. Cutting back after the first flush can prompt a second round of bloom. Hardiness for the perennial species covers USDA zones 5 to 9.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut back after the first flush to encourage a second bloom and keep the clump compact. Perennial species are cut to the ground after frost or in late winter. Plants seldom need division and resent root disturbance.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons