Helonias bullata, commonly known as Swamp Pink, is an evergreen perennial herb that is native to acidic, sphagnum bogs and wet, wooded areas in the Southeastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian region. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) with a similar spread. The plant features a striking vertical flower spike that can reach up to 3 feet in height, topped with fragrant, bright pink flowers that bloom from March to May. The flowers are densely clustered and highly showy, attracting pollinators. Swamp Pink has lance-shaped, parallel-veined leaves that form a basal rosette, ranging in color from dark green to light yellow-green.

Swamp Pink is valued for its unique beauty and rarity, making it a prized specimen for bog gardens and conservation plantings. It is also used in wetland restoration projects. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture and acidic conditions, mimicking its natural bog habitat. It can tolerate both part shade and full sun, but it must have wet or consistently moist soil with good organic content to thrive. Swamp Pink is not commonly available in the nursery trade due to its rarity and specific growing requirements. Gardeners who wish to grow this plant should ensure they source it responsibly to avoid contributing to the decline of wild populations. Potential problems include habitat loss and the difficulty of replicating its specific wetland conditions in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0