Secret Garden Growers Spigelia marilandica

This perennial is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. If you are in zone 5, it is generally reliable, but providing a layer of mulch in late autumn can help protect the roots during particularly harsh winters.

Yes, it is a favorite of hummingbirds. The tubular shape of the red flowers is perfectly adapted for their beaks, making it an excellent choice if you want to invite more pollinators into your shaded garden beds.

It performs best in part to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, it prefers the dappled light found in woodland settings and will struggle if exposed to harsh, direct afternoon sun.

It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, similar to a woodland floor. If your garden soil tends to dry out quickly, amending it with organic matter like compost will help retain the necessary moisture without causing waterlogging.

Deadheading—or trimming off the spent blooms—prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production. This encourages the plant to focus its resources on producing more flowers, which can extend your bloom window throughout the summer.

You can expect 'Little Redhead' to reach a mature height of approximately 20 inches. It forms neat, upright clumps, making it a great choice for the middle or front of a shade border.