How much sun does Swamp-pink need?

Swamp-pink grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Swamp-pink bloom?

Swamp-pink blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Swamp-pink native?

Swamp-pink (Helonias bullata) is native to DE, GA, MD, NC and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Swamp-pink attract?

Swamp-pink draws bees and butterflies.

Is Swamp-pink HOA-friendly?

Swamp-pink takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Swamp-pink

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Helonias bullata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Swamp-pink (Helonias bullata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

DE, GA, MD, NC and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Swamp-pink is a rare native perennial that produces showy spikes of fragrant pink flowers in spring above rosettes of evergreen leaves. This wetland species requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and performs best in partial shade locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp-pink takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires very wet conditions that may appear swampy
Rare species may look unusual to neighbors
High water needs conflict with typical landscape expectations

Wildlife value

The fragrant spring blooms attract bees and butterflies during early season when few other nectar sources are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp-pink need?: Swamp-pink grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Swamp-pink bloom?: Swamp-pink blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Swamp-pink native?: Swamp-pink (Helonias bullata) is native to DE, GA, MD, NC and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Swamp-pink attract?: Swamp-pink draws bees and butterflies.
Is Swamp-pink HOA-friendly?: Swamp-pink takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Swamp-pink? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz