Hardy, late spring to summer-blooming, native perennialDescription: Unusual flowers very attractive to hummingbirds begin as bright red, elongated buds that peel back at the tips to reveal soft yellow interiors; glossy green, lance-shaped foliageHabit: Grows 1-2' high and 1' wide; upright, clump-forming; allow 2-3 years to establishCulture: Prefers partial shade and moist but well-drained, humus-rich woodland loamHardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5This showy wildflower is notable for its unique floral display, which has the appearance of a profusion of miniature, brilliant red and yellow firecrackers. Native to moist woodlands and shady stream banks from Maryland to Indiana south to Texas and Florida, Indian Pink is best when massed in woodland gardens and shady borders. It was one of many native herbaceous plants "sent to Europe for Mr. Pierepont by John and William Bartram" of Philadelphia in 1784, and Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon recommended Spigelia marilandica in The American Gardener's Calendar (1806), calling it Carolina Pink-root.This plant will ship bare root. Grade #1. Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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