Indian pink
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) provides a burst of color in early summer with upward-facing trumpet-shaped flowers of vivid scarlet. The flowers flare at the top to display a bright yellow star shape. The spectacular flowers attract hummingbirds which are their main pollinator. A shade-loving clump-forming perennial, Indian pink grows 1-2 feet tall and blooms best in light shade. Indian pink is found in upland woods in half-a-dozen north Florida counties including Wakulla. It is fire and drought tolerant but does not tolerate plant competition. Available commercially, Indian pink is a delightful addition to a woodland garden. To extend the month-long bloom time, remove spent flowers as they wither. Indian pinks are blooming now along the northeast path and among the azaleas behind the music stage at Sopchoppy Depot Park.
