Spigelia

Spigelias, commonly known as Indian pinks, are distinctive herbaceous perennials with an unusual combination of elegant foliage and vivid tubular flowers. Upright stems carry clusters of slender red blooms that open to reveal contrasting yellow centres, creating a wonderfully graphic effect in early summer. Their neat, clump-forming habit makes Spigelia easy to place among other perennials, where the flowers can rise cleanly through surrounding planting without taking over. They work especially well in cottage gardens, mixed borders and more naturalistic schemes where something a little less familiar is wanted.

For UK gardens, Spigelia are best grown in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade and preferably somewhere sheltered. Their deciduous growth disappears for winter before returning from the base in spring, gradually forming established clumps over time. Because some Spigelia cultivars are only moderately hardy in the UK, choosing a protected position and avoiding cold, exposed ground is particularly worthwhile.

Still relatively uncommon compared with many traditional border perennials, Spigelia plants for UK gardens offer a more individual way to add shape and detail to summer planting. Their slim stems, fresh foliage and sharply contrasting flowers combine beautifully with ferns, grasses and softer-flowered perennials, giving borders an unexpected focal point without losing their natural feel.