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Cardinal Flower: Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal Flower: Lobelia cardinalis

$6.00Price
Size
Plug
4"
Quantity
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
 
A striking native perennial with brilliant red, tubular flowers that bring bold color to late-summer gardens. Cardinal Flower is an excellent choice for moist gardens, rain gardens, pond edges, and partly shaded areas where you want a vibrant pop of color and an important resource for pollinators.
 
Its vivid red flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds, which visit the blooms for nectar. The tall, upright flower spikes add vertical interest to the garden, while its lush green foliage creates an attractive base throughout the growing season. Cardinal Flower is a wonderful addition to native plantings designed to support wildlife and bring seasonal color to wetter areas of the landscape.
 
Growing Conditions:
  • Sun: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil moisture: Moist to wet
  • Soil: Rich, moist soil; tolerates periodically saturated conditions
  • Height: 2–4 ft
  • Bloom time: Mid- to late summer
  • Flower color: Brilliant red
  • Native range: Eastern and central North America
 
Wildlife Value:
  • Excellent nectar source for hummingbirds
  • Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
  • Tubular flowers are well suited to hummingbird pollination
  • Supports native wildlife as part of a diverse, moisture-rich garden habitat
 
Don't Worry If It Doesn't Flower Right Away:
Native perennials don't always flower their first year, and that's completely normal! Young plants often put much of their energy into developing a strong root system and establishing themselves in their new environment. Depending on the species, you may see limited or no flowering during the first growing season, with more substantial flowering beginning in year two and beyond.
 
Watering for Establishment:
For the best results, water your new plants regularly during their first 6 weeks after planting, particularly during periods of hot or dry weather. Cardinal Flower prefers consistently moist soil, even once established, so avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely. It is particularly well suited to rain gardens, low-lying areas, and other locations that naturally retain moisture.
 
Plant for the future: The first year is about putting down roots. Give your native plants time to establish, and you'll be rewarded with stronger, more resilient plants in the seasons ahead.
 
Garden Use:
Great for rain gardens, pond edges, wet meadows, moist native perennial gardens, woodland margins, and partly shaded areas where you want bold summer color and hummingbird activity. Plant in consistently moist soil for the best results, and consider grouping several plants together for a more noticeable display of red flowers.
 
WNS Note:
Lobelia cardinalis is a native perennial with exceptional ornamental and ecological value. Its brilliant red flowers provide a specialized nectar resource for hummingbirds, making it a particularly rewarding choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Cardinal Flower can be relatively short-lived, but it may self-seed in suitable conditions, helping maintain its presence in the garden.
 
Sourcing:
Seeds were sourced from Common Violets LLC, 8.1 ecoregion.
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