Coastal Rose Pink,  Sabatia calycina

A  sweet little surprise of pinkish star-shaped blossoms in the Gentian family. 

Coastal Rose Pink grows in wet places in the coastal plain. This is a wetland species, growing mostly in the acidic waters of blackwater floodplains, but it can occur in brownwater areas. If favors edges of swamps, drawdown sand or mud bars, openings in swamps and bottomlands, ditches, and canal and stream banks.

It is described alternately as an annual, short-lived perennial, or perennial. However, Weakley, A.S., and the Southeastern Flora Team describe it as a short-lived perennial. The height varies by source, but is consistently small, from 4 inches to a maximum of 16 inches. It is an obligate wetland plant. 

The heliophily rating by Weakly, et. al. is a 2, indicating a species requires fairly deeply shady habitats. Other sources report a higher tolerance for the sun. Try growing in partially to deeply shaded areas to evaluate your seeds. 

Noting the variations reported for this species, I present the following germination with an unknown degree of confidence. Basically, it sounds reasonable. 

Sabatia calycina seeds require cold-moist stratification to break dormancy. The seeds are minuscule, and may require light to germinate (do not bury them). 

Winter sow in peaty/sandy substrate or sow seeds directly outdoors in late autumn (October to December).  Scatter the dust-like seeds onto the surface of a prepared, consistently moist, peaty/sandy site. Do not cover them. The winter cold and moisture will naturally stratify the seeds for spring germination.

Artificial Cold-Moist Stratification (60 Days)When: 60 days before you plan to sow in the spring. Place the tiny seeds on a moist (not soaking) paper towel or coffee filter. Fold it and place it in a labeled, sealed plastic bag. Store in your refrigerator for 60 days.

Sow: Gently sprinkle the seeds onto the surface of a pot filled with a moist, acidic seed-starting mix. Do not cover the seeds.

Keep the soil surface continuously saturated using mineral-free water (rainwater or distilled is best). Using the "bog method" (sitting the pot in a water-filled tray) is ideal.

Keep in bright light and at 70. Germination is often slow and sporadic, taking 2 to 6 weeks.

💖 Interesting Facts & Botanical Insight

Source Confirmation: According to the Flora of the Southeastern United States (FSUS) 2025 Edition, Sabatia calycina is confirmed to be distributed from southeastern Virginia south to southern Florida, and west to southeastern Texas, highlighting its identity as a key Coastal Plain species.

Flower Detail: The delicate flowers typically have five to seven pink or rose-colored petals and are marked by a unique yellow or greenish-yellow star at the base of the corolla (the "eye").

Pollinator Specialists: The striking flower shape and color pattern act as a highly effective nectar guide, attracting specialized long-tongued bees and small diurnal insects.

Long Bloom Season: This species provides color from June through October (Phenology: Jun–Oct; Jul–Oct per FSUS), offering a reliable source of late-season nectar.

Habitat Indicator: Its presence is a strong indicator of fresh marsh, swamp forest, and riverbank habitats, and it is listed by the USDA as an obligate wetland species.

Weakley, A.S., and Southeastern Flora Team. 2025. Flora of the southeastern United States Web App. University of North Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, U.S.A. https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/main.php?pg=show-taxon-detail.php&lsid=urn:lsid:ncbg.unc.edu:taxon:{578B7B0D-361A-43E8-A86C-1F574A0FF3AB}. Accessed Nov 9, 2025.