Spigelia marilandica

Spigelia marilandica is a rather curious small perennial for moist undergrowth that, in summer, bears upright flowers shaped like a small bright red pouch with the tip opening into a star of lime green turning golden yellow. A flamboyant and remarkably contrasting colour that uniquely enlivens slightly shady places.

Despite its tropical appearance, Spigelia marilandica is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Loganiaceae family native to the cool regions of North America. It is found in the thick humus of clearings or on the edge of forests, always in slightly damp places. This very hardy, deciduous plant can withstand temperatures around -20 °C. In spring, it forms a dense tuft of thin but sturdy stems bearing lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves, sheathing at the base. The tuft reaches about 45 cm (18in) high and spreads very slowly in width to about 45-50 cm (18-20in).  Flowering takes place for 4-6 weeks in June-July.  At the end of each stem a spike bearing 2 to 12 upright, green flower buds appears, all inserted on the same side, opening one after the other. Each bud elongates and swells while gradually turning very bright red. The tip of the flower opens into a star with 5 branches, revealing the inside of the corolla, which changes from bright yellow to lime green. 

Spigelia marilandica is an original shade-loving plant, which will grow in clear and slightly damp undergrowth, or a more classic flowerbed if it is partially shaded to sunny and the soil remains moist in summer. Mulch well to compensate for the lack of humus in flower beds. You can plant it with Japanese grasses, Carex, small ferns, tiarellas and other astilbes that thrive in the same conditions.