Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Flower Closeup 1920 x 1080

Stunning Indian Pink in Shade Garden: A Must-See at Bartlett Arboretum

I visited the Bartlett Arboretum yesterday and was stunned by the Indian Pinks in the native plant shade garden.

This was my first time seeing Spigelia marilandica, also called Pinkroot, and it was a show-stopper.

Indian pink blooms in June.

Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Flower Closeup 1920 x 1080

Indian Pink grows in part to full shade and average to moist soil. I took this picture in deep, dappled shade where the Pinkroot thrives.

Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Grouping 1920 x 1080

How nice to find a plant that thrives in deep shade, is easy to care for, and provides such a nice show.

Pinkroot has a clump-forming habit and spreads by rhizomes.

Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Habit 1920 x 1080

A view looking down at the leaves of the indian pinks.

Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Top View 1920 x 1080

Indian pinks bloom from the bottom to the top of the stem and may re-bloom if deadheaded.

Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Flowers 1920 x 1080

The tag at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT. Indian Pinks are native to the Southeastern U.S. and grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica Tag 1920 x 1080

I will be adding Indian pinks to my garden soon.


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2 responses to “Stunning Indian Pink in Shade Garden: A Must-See at Bartlett Arboretum”

  1. lauren Avatar

    Wow! Those are beautiful and precious. I have become a huge native plant enthusiast. I opened up a small plot at my cabin, started with just three native plant varieties, and learned so much from them as they danced in and around each other over the years. A few native plants arrived on their own; must have heard the excitement. After the first season I never watered them. They are so good at just taking care of themselves. !

    1. John Holden Avatar

      Not sure why but I never learned about many native plants in my career besides it wasn’t encouraged until the last 10-15 years. Now that it’s fashionable I’m blown away and wondering why we bring all these plants from Europe and Asia when we have so many beautiful plants right here.

      Native plants are just as pretty as plants from abroad with less care and less environmental impact and easier to care for.

      Thanks for sharing your story.