Indian Pink
Indian pinks attract and are pollinated by hummingbirds.
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) is an uncommon native wildflower with brilliant red tubular flowers. The stunning flowers flare out in a star shape near the top to reveal a chartreuse yellow interior, like a firecracker exploding. Blooming in late spring, the flowers attract and are pollinated by hummingbirds. Also called wood pinkroot, this long-lived, clump-forming perennial is found in upland woods in the southeastern U.S., including Panhandle counties. Indian pink thrives in part to full shade in moist, organically rich soils. It blooms best in light shade and makes a terrific addition to woodland gardens. Care must be taken when weeding to protect this perennial from inadvertent removal. Indian pinks are blooming now at the north edge of the woodlands at Sopchoppy Depot Park