Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils. Tolerant of wet soils.
'Apple Slices' produces the best display of flowers under full sun to part shade conditions in climates with relatively cool summers. Part shade to dappled shade is recommended for climates with hot, humid summers.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Spigelia marilandica, commonly called Indian pink, is a clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which occurs in moist woods and streambanks in the far southeastern part of the State. Features one-sided cymes of upward facing, trumpet-shaped, red flowers (to 2" long) atop stiff stems growing to 18" tall. Each flower is yellow inside and flares at the top to form five pointed lobes (a yellow star). Flowers bloom in June. Glossy green, ovate to lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long). Highly attractive to hummingbirds, and makes an excellent cut flower for fresh arrangements.
Genus name honors Adrian van der Spiegel (1578-1625), professor of anatomy at Padua.
Specific epithet means of Maryland.
'Apple Slices' is a compact, long-blooming selection of Indian pink that features dark green foliage and dark red blooms. Mature clumps will reach 2' tall and spread to fill a 1.5' area with a dense, upright growth habit. The main bloom period occurs in early to mid-summer with some repeat blooming into fall. US plant patent number PP36254 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Shaded border fronts, shade gardens, woodland gardens, wildflower gardens or native plant gardens.