Spigelia 'Apple Slices'

Spigelia marilandica 'Apple Slices': Prairie Spark in Bloom

Vivid and unexpected, Spigelia 'Apple Slices' bursts onto the summer stage with bright red blooms flared in glowing yellow, like tiny torch flames held high above upright clumps of green foliage. Compact and pollinator-friendly, this unique native cultivar attracts hummingbirds in droves while thriving in full sun to part shade. With its tidy habit and long-lasting colour, it bridges the ornamental gap between woodland and prairie, adding sharp definition and bold charm to the sunny border.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm
• Flower Colour: Bright red with yellow throats
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-summer, often reblooming
• Foliage: Upright, deep green, lance-shaped leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates average and lightly dry conditions once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Apple Slices' brings high-impact colour and upright form to native plantings, pollinator gardens, and smaller-scale prairie designs. Its striking flowers offer mid-season nectar for hummingbirds and beneficial insects, while its compact shape fits easily among low grasses and sun-loving perennials. With both ornamental flair and ecological function, it’s a standout in layered, wildlife-friendly plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair with the fine-textured upright blades of Schizachyrium scoparium, the bold orange blooms of Asclepias tuberosa, and the golden, threadleaf foliage of Coreopsis 'Zagreb' for a vibrant, sun-drenched combination that supports pollinators and pulses with late-summer energy.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season, then only during extended dry spells. Deadhead lightly to encourage rebloom or allow seedheads to form. Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh the clump. Mulch in sandy soils to retain moisture.

History: A selection of the southeastern North American native Spigelia marilandica, 'Apple Slices' was developed for its vivid flower contrast, compact size, and increased garden adaptability. Long admired in naturalistic and native plant circles, it’s now earning its place in broader perennial designs.

Final Thoughts: Colourful, compact, and hummingbird-ready, Spigelia 'Apple Slices' adds a fiery spark to sun-filled borders—uniting prairie boldness with native elegance in one irresistible plant.