Lobelia cardinalis

Also Known As

Cardinal Flower

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

H: 36"
W: 12"-16"

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Lobelia cardinalis plant details

Lobelia cardinalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lobelia cardinalis

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: campanulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 16 IN - wide, 36 IN tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: award-winning, bog garden, border plant, clumping, cottage garden, cutting garden, long-blooming, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lobelia cardinalis

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Three to four foot spikes of beautiful true-red flowers create a splash of color in late summer and are a sure draw for neighborhood hummingbirds. S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Named for the fact that the shape and color of the flowers resemble the miter of a Cardinal. A moisture loving plant that occurs naturally along moist stream beds. It'll do just fine in average garden soil and flower brilliantly in late Summer on 16-60" stems. In the garden of Kathleen Kust, a Washington, DC area Landscape designer, I've discovered a colony of reds to pinks to pure white. The pure white clone appears to have much larger flowers than the species and we currently have it in propagation. In addition, we are growing seeds from plants within the colony to select a complete range of colors from red to white. Stay tuned folks.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Red flowers from mid summer to frost. About 4 feet tall. Self seeds. Loves a boggy place in full sun.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

The flaming red wands of the Cardinal Flower can bloom for a month or longer. The bright scarlet red flowers are an important nectar source for hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Occurring naturally in wetlands, Lobelia cardinalis requires a moist, rich soil and responds magnificently to cultivation. Short lived, it may require replanting every few years, but is well worth the effort. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9.

By: Prairie Nursery

Patented. One of the easiest of available cardinal flowers to grow, it does well in sunny pond and stream areas, and just as well in regular to humus rich garden soil. Long-lived, with sparkling red flowers, a must for the hummingbird garden! Poisonous. Mid to late summer bloom.

By: Select Seeds

Glowing scarlet spikes of blooms are produced in summer on this US native perennial. This rosette forming herbaceous perennial is commonly found along stream banks, marshes, and bogs but will perform well in average to wet garden soils. Attracts Hummingbirds. Considered by many to be the queen of US wildflowers. A Dawn Stover Nifty Fifty favorite herbaceous plant! Dawn is a Research Associate at Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches, TX and currently maintains the Mast Arboretum plant collection. For more about Dawn, the wonderful arboretum, and Stephen F Austin's excellent horticultural program click here.