Native Plant of the Week-Hummers Love It!

16 years ago

Thought I would try to start posting (others join in if you want, please!) a native plant of the week. It is not only important to keep these forbs, grasses, vines, whatever, from becoming endangered by loss of land, but because they often attract some beautiful wildlife.

The plant? Spigelia marilandica, commonly called Indian Pink.

I began growing this delightful plant about 3 or 4 years ago in my backyard which is mostly shade. It will grow in sun, part sun, part shade, or shade, and still blooms a ton no matter the exposure, so that already makes it a desirable, versatile little plant. It grows by rhizomes that do not become invasive, but do spread invitingly - why I say invitingly is because once you have it you'll wish you had more....and more....and more.

The second thing is I have let it go an entire year without any supplemental watering and it just seems to do even better! Wow!

Third, it produces the most gorgeous tubular red blooms with a yellow interior that brighten up a shady spot or enhance a sunny spot. More wow!

Fourth, hummingbirds love it! It provides lots of nectar!

Fifth, mine has not had any pests or diseases on it....at all.

It is a much overlooked wildflower that should be grown more widely because of, well, all of the above!

Susan

No, I am not a promoter of Plant Delights Nursery - they just had a really nice photo of it, and yes, you can find it other places for much less money. Not likely you will find it at the local nursery, though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Indian Pink

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

laspasturas
16 years ago
Looks like the perfect hummingbird feeder to me!

Once I get the food garden up and running, I'm really hoping to have more time to focus on the neglected bed in front of the house. I want it to be an herb and flower garden for butterflies, bees, birds and all of the other beneficial creatures that I can attract. I've got my herbs sorted out, but haven't had time to research flowers and other plants beyond a smattering of annuals, so I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread.
kdvw
16 years ago
This plant is absolutely lovely! Do you have any recommendations where I could find this plant?
Related Professionals
Augusta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Columbia Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rolla Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Charlottesville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lawrence Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Oshkosh Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cornwall Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Dubuque Landscape Contractors · Bloomington Landscape Contractors · Longview Landscape Contractors · Bloomington Accessory Dwelling Units · Lexington Accessory Dwelling Units · Brooklyn Accessory Dwelling Units · Chico Accessory Dwelling Units · Las Cruces Accessory Dwelling Units
susanlynne48
Original Author
16 years ago
Unfortunately, I have yet to find a "native plant" nursery in Oklahoma. Yes, some of the local nurseries do sell native plants, but I don't think they know they do. I would check TLC, Marcum's, and Bob Scott in Oklahoma City. Are you near here? If not, I am not familiar with any nurseries in Tulsa or other cities.

I ordered mine online from either Woodlander's or Mail Order Natives, both out of state, but recommended native plant nurseries. I was extremely happy with the plants I received. They arrive bare root, which saved some money in shipping costs. Google them and see if they still have this plant - it is well worth it.

There is also a native plant nursery in Missouri that offers it - Easy Wildflowers - and it has also been recommend to me, altho I have yet to order from them. I attached a link so you can check it out. Scroll down the page to Spigelia marilandica. They sell for $6/pot which is pretty good. Other places are aroummd $10-15.

Susan

Here is a link that might be useful: Easy Wildflowers