Plant Pioneers

The trial plant in 2006 was Spigelia marilandica (Indian Pink, Pink-root).

Our first Plant Pioneer, Chris, planted two Spigelias in her Green Hills garden. She writes, "I planted them both in a shady area with some mid afternoon to late afternoon sun that peeks through the trees on our lawn. One I planted where it would receive more shade and the other gets more of the sun that I described. The one that gets more shade is the one that is doing really well. This plant started out more lush in its greenery; whereas, the other one that gets a little more of the sun is on the puny side and probably won't bloom."

"The lush plant (left) started blooming last week [last week of June]. This plant is quite unique, not only in the flower form but also the color. I like it very much - however, surprised that one of them is having difficulty because they are really only a few feet apart. Both are planted in a garden that has added topsoil and this same garden has been mulched year after year so the soil is very rich."

"My husband and I were sitting on the porch having lunch today and a hummingbird came along and went right for the Spigelia. Stayed around for a good few minutes and then took off."

And the final word? Chris says, " It was a rather long flowering time - It was about finished the weekend of July 28. The smaller weaker plant did manage to bloom also, but did not last as long as the healthier plant. They are both continuing to grow leaves, becoming bigger plants. The plant seems resistant to bugs or diseases. No signs of any."

The trial plant in 2007 was Thermopsis villosa, False Lupine. Kelly K. from West Chester, PA, planted it in her garden and had this report:

"The Thermopsis villosa did great this year! I did not get a picture while in bloom, though. I can't remember exactly when it bloomed (early summer) but the yellow blooms lasted a good couple of weeks. Now, I am left with these very interesting and brown seed heads on top of a still very green and healthy plant.

I have the plant in a small bed along my driveway and front walk. It is surrounded by three very tall asters. Then on the other side there are river oats and a medium sized river birch tree. During the spring, while the asters were still growing, the Thermopsis received full morning and noon time sun, with dappled shade in the afternoon. I only give additional watering to any of plants during the first season of planting. After that, only during drought/dry conditions, so it has done really well with very little care."