Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica): A Hummingbird Magnet for Shade

Many hummingbird plants prefer full sun, but Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) thrives in dappled shade, producing bright crimson and yellow tubular flowers in mid to late spring—ideally suited for hummingbirds. It's listed among the top 10 native plants for hummingbirds by Operation RubyThroat.

When I first saw it in 2008, I thought "Hot dog!"—its striking appearance resembles a hot dog with ketchup and mustard. Since then, I've incorporated it into designs needing a late-spring bloomer in open shade. It stays attractive after bloom, with glossy leaves forming a nice ground cover in woodland or part-shade sites. Once uncommon in nurseries, supplies are increasing; it's appearing in retail and online. Winter is a great time to plan next year's garden—if you're planning a hummingbird garden, Indian pink belongs on the list.

Botanical name: Spigelia marilandica
Common names: Indian pink, woodland pinkroot, wormgrass
Origin: Native to woodland edges and shaded woods of southeastern U.S., from Maryland south to Florida and west to Texas
Hardiness: Hardy to -30°F (USDA zones 4–9; find your zone)
Water requirement: Prefers moist soils; does not tolerate drought
Light requirement: Best in dappled shade; grows in full shade; can take full sun with adequate moisture (too much sun bleaches leaf edges)
Mature size: Upright clumps, 1–2 feet tall, ~1 foot wide
Caution: All parts considered poisonous.

Benefits and tolerances: Red and yellow tubular flowers very attractive to hummingbirds; ideal for moist, shady garden.
Seasonal interest: Blooms in June; crimson buds open to reveal bright yellow five-pointed stars. Deadheading extends bloom and can produce a second fall flush. After flowers, glossy leaves form dense ground cover in shady spots.
When to plant: Slow to establish (2–3 years to mature); plant by end of July to settle in.

This photo shows Spigelia on a sunny site; works with sufficient moisture. Companions: feather reed grass (Calamagrostis 'Karl Forester'), catmint (Nepeta sp.), lamb's ears (Stachys sp.).

Distinguishing Traits

Flower coloration is unique: outer petals intense crimson, inner lining bright yellow, revealed when bud opens. After blooms, broadly lance-shaped, glossy, opposite leaves provide interesting texture through the season.

How to Use It

Great under trees and taller shrubs in moist partial shade. In my garden, it grows under a large rhododendron with morning sun. Slow to emerge in spring, so doesn't interfere with early ephemerals. Combine with early native bloomers like Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginiana), Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), or spring beauties (Claytonia virginica). On less moist sites, pair with spring-blooming bulbs—late foliage covers fading bulb leaves.

Single plants stand out in bloom, but masses are more effective for attracting hummingbirds. Individual flowers are self-fertile; cross-pollination by hummingbirds improves seed production and long-term spread.

This photo shows foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) filling early spring, then Indian pink taking over as foamflower fades in June. After hard frost, evergreen foamflower continues to fill the bed.

Planting Notes

Though not common in trade, seen more often in retail and native-plant nurseries, also mail-order. Does not transplant well—site carefully. Plants in family Loganiaceae contain toxic alkaloids; Indian pink contains spigeleine (anthelmintic/worm-expelling), used by Native Americans. All parts poisonous.

Deer browsing supposedly not an issue, but I've had deer (or groundhog) eat flowers on exposed plants.

Propagation tricky: seeds ripen ~1 month after pollination (typically July), best planted fresh. Ripe seedpods burst, dispersing seeds to spread colony. Tip cuttings and divisions successful; root cuttings tricky.