Fire Pink Plant

Spigelia Marilandica For Sale

The Spigelia Fire Pink plant is an eye-catching red flower, whose unique shape makes it immediately recognizable. It is native to the southwestern and midwestern United States, but is oddly more popular in the United Kingdom and Europe. The clump-forming plant grows in a large, round shape like a bush, and while flowers can look sparse against its foliage, they are striking.

Indian Pink Plant Details 

Family: Loganiaceae

Light Requirement: Partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 2 ft

Spread: 8-10 in

Growth Rate: Moderate

Soil Preference: Moist, Fertile

Bloom Time: May, June, July

Flower Color: Red

Wildlife Value: Birds, Pollinators

Notable Characteristics of Fire Pink Plant

The foliage of the star-shaped Indian pink plant is lush and emerald green. The stems are thin and flexible, covered in layered, oblong leaves with smooth edges. The leaves get thinner and shorter as they climb the stem. The flowers of Spigelia marilandica start a few inches from the top of the stem. 

The lowest flower is the largest, and they grow slowly smaller towards the tip of the stem, arranged in a perfect descending line. The red, star-shaped blooms are tubular and upfacing with a bright yellow center that is perfect for hummingbirds – the plant’s main pollinator.

Landscaping and Maintenance 

In the wild, the Spigelia Indian Pink Plant looks somewhat sparse; the blooms are small against its wide leaves and thin stem. But in a garden, this plant really comes alive. It thrives in light, filtered sunlight and can flourish without the heavy overgrowth of trees in its native woodland. This plant gets its name from the alkaloid contained in its roots and foliage, spigiline. 

This chemical compound is poisonous to humans, but is occasionally used as a deworming agent. It is also a narcotic hallucinogen, with death as an unpleasant side effect from improper use. Plant this beauty in your garden, but don’t bring it into the kitchen!