Spigelia alabamensis

Finally, an Indian pink that's really pink. Spigelia alabamensis is one of the finest plants we grow in our rock garden. Native to only a small population in Alabama, this super rare native makes a small clump, to 10" wide, that's topped with clusters of rich pink, gentian-like flowers from late May through June. For us, Spigelia alabamensis often reflowers sporadically in the summer. Combine easy to grow, drought-tolerant, pest-free, great flowers, and small stature...who could want for more? Our original specimens were propagated from the Alabama population via tissue culture, and now by cuttings. Due to its diminutive size and flowering season, however, cuttings are always scarce and tough to root. When it was thought to be the same as the Endangered Spigelia gentianoides, we were prohibited from shipping it, but once it was recognized to be a distinct species, it has no official Federal protection.