The vibrant red flower spikes of this short-lived perennial are hummingbird magnets.
Its brilliant, showy red blooms first mature in late summer and continue into midfall.
The flower spikes are magnets for hummingbirds and great for wildlife gardens.
The lance-shaped, shiny foliage is a handsome dark green.
Lobelia even loves downright wet conditions, making it a top choice for bog and rain gardens.
Cardinal flower is toxic to humans and pets.
Cardinal flower is especially striking when planted in groups or drifts.
How and When to Plant Cardinal Flower
Plant nursery-grown cardinal flowers in the spring.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist in the absence of rain.
In a mass or group planting, space plants about 20 inches apart.
Light
In northern climates, cardinal flower thrives infull sun.
Soil and Water
The most important soil property for cardinal flowers is consistent soil moisture.
The soil should never be allowed to dry out.
The plants even withstand brief flooding.
The soil should also be rich in organic matter so amend it before planting if necessary.
ApH between 6.0 and 7.5is ideal.
To help retain soil moisture, spread a 1-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
Use a container with at least 1-gallon capacity or larger and verify it has adequate drainage holes.
Fill it with well-draining potting mix and water it frequently to keep the soil constantly moist.
Pests and Problems
Cardinal flower is unbothered by serious pests and diseases.
You might find snails and slugs feeding on the foliage.
Deers, rabbits, and other herbivores tend to avoid the plant.
Do not cover the seeds with soil; they need light to germinate.
It grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide.
It grows 2 feet tall.
The foliage is also bronze-colored.
Zone 4-8
Blue Cardinal Flower
Also called great blue lobelia,L.
siphiliticais a short-lived perennial lobelia with large, deep blue-violet flower spikes.
It blooms late in the season and provides nectar to bees and butterflies.
Its pink to rose-purple flowers mature in midspring and last into early fall.
Swamp milkweed grows up to 5 feet tall and needs full sun.
The white, lavender, or blue blossoms ofCulver’s rootappear for several weeks in midsummer.
Culvers root needs a spot in full sun where the soil stays consistently moist for extended periods.
The large blooms last just a day or two before being replaced with new flowers.
It thrives in moist to wet soil and full sun.
Zone 4-9
Frequently Asked Questions
There are more than 400Lobeliaspecies, both annuals and perennials.
Cardinal flower is one of the perennial species, though it is short-lived.
The plant does not spread through its roots but by self-seeding, though not in an aggressive way.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Cardinal Flower.ASPCA.
Lobelia cardinalis.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
