Also known as Pinkroot · 75 gardener saves
Spigelia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Spigelia, the genus most gardeners know as pinkroot. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Spigelia varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedLittle Redhead Indian Pink
Spigelia marilandica 'Little Redhead'
#2 most savedIndian Pink
Spigelia marilandica
#3 most savedAlabama Pinkroot
Spigelia alabamensis
How to grow Spigelia
What the Spigelia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Spigelia year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant containerized or bare-root plants in spring or fall
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if vigor declines
- DeadheadMay–July100% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a longer bloom period
- Spring CleanupFebruary100% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage before new growth emerges
- FertilizeMarch67% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor
- MulchMarch67% of varieties
Apply 2 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote new growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not skip pruning after blooming
- Avoid heavy clay soils without amendment
- Keep away from excessive direct midday sun in hot climates
What goes wrong with Spigelia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing on leaves | Wash off with water and apply miticides if needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and brown roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Spigelia
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Maintain consistent moisture for 4-6 weeks until germination
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
Division
- Divide mature plants in early spring or fall
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife
- Replant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
Spigelia questions
How many types of Spigelia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Spigelia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 75 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Spigelia grow in?
Across its varieties, Spigelia covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Spigelia bloom?
Most Spigelia varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Spigelia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Spigelia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Spigelia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
