Contents
Description
Spigelia Marilandica, also known as Indian pink, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along riverbanks. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, and its flowers are tube-shaped and bright red with a yellow center.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Genus | Spigelia |
Appearance
Spigelia Marilandica is a stunning plant that produces showy, tube-shaped flowers that are bright red with a yellow center. The flowers bloom in clusters at the top of the stem and can grow up to 2 inches long. The plant has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. The stems are sturdy and can reach up to 2 feet in height.
Care Guide
Spigelia Marilandica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Indian pink prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Indian pink prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Spigelia Marilandica prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Indian pink is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spigelia Marilandica is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to look out for:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can be treated with a fungicide.
- Aphids: These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Spigelia Marilandica is native to the eastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Spigelia Marilandica plant?
A: Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What kind of soil does Spigelia Marilandica prefer?
A: Indian pink prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use on my Spigelia Marilandica plant?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What hardiness zones is Spigelia Marilandica hardy in?
A: Indian pink is hardy in zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Spigelia genuflexa
- Spigelia gentianoides
- Spigelia hedyotidea
- Spigelia marilandica ‘Little Redhead’
References
- “Spigelia Marilandica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b798.
- “Spigelia Marilandica.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/spigelia-marilandica/.
