Spigelia 'Little Redhead'

Spigelia 'Little Redhead': Red Rockets Tipped With Yellow Stars

'Little Redhead' shows up in scarlet tubes that split into yellow stars at the tip, like a fireworks finale frozen in place. The hummingbirds have cancelled all other plans. SCARLET, STARRY AND SPOKEN FOR.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Spigelia marilandica 'Little Redhead'
• Common Name: Indian Pink
• Height: 30–55 cm (12–21 in)
• Spread: 50–60 cm (20–24 in)
• Flowers: Upright clusters of scarlet red tubes with yellow interiors, opening into a yellow star at the tip
• Bloom Time: Early summer (June to July)
• Foliage: Neat pairs of deep green, pointed leaves on upright stems
• Features: More compact than the species

Where to Plant: Tuck it near the front of a woodland edge, a part-shade border, or a spot close to the patio where you can watch the hummingbirds work. It likes rich, moist soil. In the colder parts of our area, give it a sheltered spot and a layer of mulch for its first winters.

Companion Plants: Give 'Little Redhead' a moist bed in part shade with ruby bergenia, white Siberian iris and an airy grass. Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby' opens rosy red-purple flowers at 30 to 35 cm in April and May. Heuchera FYRE WING™ 'Spinel' adds colourful foliage at 18 cm. Iris 'White Swirl' opens clear white Siberian iris at 80 to 100 cm in May and June. Molinia 'Skyracer' sends airy stems to 180 to 240 cm, turning bronzy gold in fall.

Plant Care: Plant it in moist but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Slightly acidic soil suits it well. It grows stronger and flowers more with some sun, as long as the soil doesn't dry out, so water during dry spells. It's slow to settle in and wakes up late in spring, so mark its spot. Deadheading the first flush can bring more flowers. Cut the stems back in fall. It rarely needs dividing; if you want more plants, divide carefully in spring. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, so keep it away from curious pets and toddlers.

History: Indian pink is native to the east-central and southeastern United States, and the genus honours Adrian van der Spiegel, an anatomy professor at Padua in the early 1600s. Plant Delights Nursery received this compact form from garden writer Pam Harper, who had it years earlier from Bob McCartney of Woodlanders Nursery.

Final Thoughts: It's compact enough to tuck in by the patio, so you get a front-row view of the hummingbird traffic. RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW.