Indian Pink Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester'
ABOUT
The Indian Pink 'Wisley Jester' is a vibrant and striking perennial known for its unique and attractive flowers. The blossoms present a distinctive contrast, featuring a tube-like shape with brilliant red on the outside and a sunny yellow lining on the inside, giving them an eye-catching two-toned effect. These flowers are arranged in clusters, each blooming progressively up the stem, showcasing an orderly and harmonious display. The plant's foliage adds to its charm, with leaves that boast a rich, deep green color. They are glossy and shape into a lance-like form, adding a lush backdrop to the bright and colorful flowers that rise above them. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems, creating a sense of balance and fullness. Overall, the Indian Pink 'Wisley Jester' presents a captivating visual with its contrasting colors and neatly arranged foliage, making it a standout in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Loganiaceae.
Synonyms
Woodland Pinkroot, Indian Pink, Maryland Pinkroot, American Wormroot, Pinkroot.
Common names
Spigelia marilandica.
ToxicityTo humans
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester') is known to contain toxic alkaloids, making it poisonous if ingested in significant quantities. Symptoms of Indian Pink poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, heightened salivation, dilated pupils, and possibly an irregular heartbeat. Severe poisoning could potentially lead to more serious cardiovascular effects or central nervous system depression. Always use caution and avoid ingesting any part of the plant.
To pets
Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester') is also toxic to pets due to the presence of alkaloids. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they could exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities. Contact with Indian Pink can be harmful, so ensure pets do not chew on or consume the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested Indian Pink, seek veterinary attention immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1.5 feet (0.46 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester', commonly known as Indian Pink, is known to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and beneficial insects, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Native Plant Advantages: As a native species, Indian Pink is well-adapted to local climates and soil conditions, making it easier to care for and more likely to thrive than non-native plants.
- Low Maintenance: Indian Pink typically requires minimal care, as it is accustomed to the natural levels of rainfall and nutrient availability in its native habitat.
- Beautification: With its vibrant red and yellow flowers, Indian Pink adds significant aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Ecological Support: By planting Indian Pink, you are providing a food source and habitat for local wildlife, thereby supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil in garden beds or naturalized areas, reducing erosion.
- Shade Tolerance: Indian Pink is capable of growing in shaded areas where many other flowering plants may not bloom as profusely, providing color in darker corners of the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester', also known as Indian Pink, can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens or schools for native plant studies, highlighting flora indigenous to the Southeastern United States.
- Indian Pink's vibrant flowers serve as an excellent resource for photography projects, providing a striking subject for close-up photos and contributing to biodiversity portfolios.
- The plant can play a role in cultural events, specifically in indigenous celebrations or as a representation of Native American heritage, given its common name and origin.
- In arts and crafts, the unique appearance of Indian Pink can inspire patterns and designs for textiles or be used in dried flower arrangements.
- Indian Pink can be used as a natural dye source, offering a range of colors from its flowers and roots for fabrics or art projects.
- This plant's dense growth habit can be utilized in garden design to create living borders or low hedges in landscaping projects.
- Its presence in a garden can be educational for children in terms of pollination biology, as Indian Pink is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- In sustainable gardening practices, Indian Pink can be incorporated as a component of a rain garden to help manage stormwater runoff due to its tolerance for wet conditions.
- Enthusiasts of nocturnal gardens can use Indian Pink for its reflective flower properties, enhancing visibility and interest in moonlit gardens.
- For themed garden displays, such as a 'patriotic garden' with red, white, and blue plants, Indian Pink's red tubular flowers can be used to represent the red component.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Indian Pink is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Indian Pink is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Enigma: The unique flowering pattern and striking colors of Indian Pink, particularly the 'Wisley Jester' variety, with its vibrant red and yellow flowers could symbolize the unknown and the allure of what is hidden or enigmatic.
- Attraction and Allure: With its striking appearance, Indian Pink may symbolize an irresistible allure or the drawing of attention and intrigue.
- Balanced Contrast: The contrasting colors of the Indian Pink might symbolize the concept of a balanced yet striking contrast in life, or the harmony of opposites.
- Protection: Native Americans reportedly used Spigelia marilandica for medicinal purposes, so the plant could symbolize protection and warding off harm.
WaterIndian Pink prefers consistently moist soil, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may require watering approximately every 5 to 7 days, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, water Indian Pink more frequently to keep the soil from drying out completely. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant to ensure the root zone is thoroughly moistened. In the cooler months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down and evaporation rates decrease.
LightIndian Pink thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. The ideal location is where the plant can receive bright, indirect light in the morning and some shade during the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering, and likewise be cautious with too much direct sunlight which may scorch the leaves.
TemperatureIndian Pink grows best in moderate temperatures and can typically tolerate temperatures ranging between 50°F and 85°F, which are well within its comfort zone. While it can survive a light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F can be detrimental to the plant. Ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningIndian Pink should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pruning should be done after the flowering period in the summer. If necessary, light pruning can also be carried out in the spring to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged growth. Do not prune heavily, as this can reduce flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilIndian Pink (Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester') thrives best in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite in equal parts can provide the ideal growing conditions for healthy root development.
RepottingIndian Pink rarely needs repotting as it's a perennial that grows well in-situ. Repotting should take place only if the plant outgrows its container, which may happen every 2 to 3 years, or to refresh the soil medium.
Humidity & MistingIndian Pink prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to various humidity conditions found in typical garden environments. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Indian Pink near bright light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Indian Pink in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSpigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester', commonly known as Indian Pink, is a perennial herb that emerges from a hardy rootstock in spring. The plant starts with a rosette of leaves and develops upright stems with a more branching habit as it matures. Throughout late spring to early summer, Indian Pink produces tubular red flowers with bright yellow interiors, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. After flowering, it sets seed, which are dispersed in late summer to early fall, completing its reproductive cycle. In fall, the aboveground foliage will die back with the onset of cooler temperatures, but the rootstock remains alive overwinter, entering a dormant stage. Come the following spring, new growth will re-emerge from the rootstock, beginning its cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Indian Pink, Spigelia marilandica 'Wisley Jester', is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method. To propagate by division, the best time is either in the spring as new growth appears or in the fall when the plant goes dormant. During this time, the plant should be carefully lifted from the ground with its root ball intact. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, the clump can be divided into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a portion of the root system. These sections are then replanted into the soil at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced adequately apart to allow for mature growth. Care should be taken to water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them in their new locations.