Taking a tour at Mt. Cuba, I saw Indian pinks, Spigelia marilandica, for the first time. It was June and they were in full bloom. Dainty red and yellow flowers peeked out from under bushes and trees. I was enthralled.

A hummingbird favorite, the perennial forms clumps. It grows 1 to 2 ft. high and spreads from .5 to 1.5 ft wide. Native to the Southeastern United States, it grows in zones 5 to 9.

Not readily available in nurseries, they may take several years to become established. They flourish in part to full shade. An easy-to-grow plant, it likes soil with a medium amount of moisture. It can withstand wet soil.

Indian pinks offer gardeners a wonderful spot of color in shaded corners. They can be used as border fronts as well as woodland, wildflower and native gardens, according to the Missouri Botanical Society.

Despite their delicate appearance, the plant has no serious insect or disease problems. They brings me joy every time I seem them blooming.

 Photos of Indian Pink by Dave O’Callaghan.