Spigelia marilandica
Indian pink
l oganiaceaeUpward-facing, tubular red flowers with
yellow throats; smooth elliptical leaves in
pairs
12–24 in. high; 12–18 in. wide
Part shade–full shade
Blooms June
Zones 5–9
pruning Indian pink blooms for
about a month in late spring or early
summer and will often rebloom in
August. No pruning is needed for
shaping or for seedling control; a few
self-sown plants may appear, but never
enough of them to be a nuisance.
other maintenance This native
wildflower of the Southeast is easy to
please. The ideal site would be in part
shade with regular water, but Spigelia
marilandica isn’t rigid in its require-
ments and will tolerate full sun with a
bit more water. It will also grow in dry
shade without much complaint, once
established. Division is rarely neces-
sary but may be accomplished in early
spring if more plants are desired.Stachys byzantina
lamb’s ears
lamiaceaeScraggly pink flowers on a silvery spike;
woolly, soft gray leaves
12–15 in. (8 in.) high; 18 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–July
Zones 4–8
pruning Deadheading keeps the
plants attractive and reduces the
decline of the foliage, which can occur
for several reasons, including if the
plant is allowed to go to seed. Remov-
ing the flowering spikes before they
bloom may be desirable since the
flowers are not especially significant
and their appearance can detract from
the outstanding silver foliage for
which the plant is primarily grown.
Plants may benefit from thinning in
midsummer to open them up to more
sunlight and better air circulation,
thus reducing the chance for rot.
Deadleafing often is needed
periodically throughout the summer
to remove rotted or generally declined
foliage. Leaves snap off easily with a
sharp thumbnail. Cut back any large
sections of the plant that may have
rotted. Regrowth usually will occur in
the autumn. Do not prune plants for
the winter; cut off winter-damaged
foliage in the early spring.
other maintenance Good
drainage is the primary requirement
for good growth. Foliar diseases and
rot can occur in conditions of high
moisture and humidity. Avoid
overhead irrigation, and make sure
foliage is dry going into the evening.
Divide in the spring every 4–5 years to
maintain vigor.
related plantS Stachys byzantina
‘Helene von Stein’ has dynamic large
leaves that normally hold up well with
minimal summer deadleafing in my
garden. Thinning of some of the large
leaves may be beneficial in southern
gardens, although this cultivar
appears to be more heat tolerant, as
well as more winter hardy, than most
forms. It rarely flowers. ‘Silver Carpet’Spigelia marilandica