Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower Overview

The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a striking perennial native to North America. Gardeners prize this plant for its intense scarlet-red flower spikes and strong wildlife appeal. It blooms from midsummer through early fall and adds bold color to moist garden areas.

Because of its vivid flowers, the Cardinal Flower attracts hummingbirds and butterflies in large numbers. It is a favorite choice for pond edges, rain gardens, and boggy landscapes.

Brilliant Red Blooms

The Cardinal Flower produces tall flower spikes covered in bright red, tubular blooms. Each flower has a two-lipped form and opens gradually from the bottom of the stalk upward. This extended bloom pattern provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Mature plants typically grow 2 to 4 feet tall, making them excellent vertical accents. The flowers stand out clearly against surrounding greenery and water features.

Attractive Foliage and Growth Habit

In addition to its flowers, this plant offers attractive foliage. The leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and finely serrated along the edges. They form a dense base that supports the tall flowering stalks.

At the base of the plant, evergreen rosettes develop and persist through winter in many regions. These rosettes play an important role in the plant’s long-term survival.

Growing Conditions and Placement

The Cardinal Flower grows best in full sun to partial shade. In warmer southern climates, afternoon shade helps prevent stress. The plant requires consistently moist to wet, nutrient-rich soil.

Because of these needs, it performs especially well in rain gardens, along pond margins, and in bog gardens. It tolerates standing moisture better than most perennials.

This plant is hardy in USDA zones 2–9. Although it often behaves as a short-lived perennial, it sustains itself through self-seeding and new offshoots.

Planting, Care, and Maintenance

For best results, plant Cardinal Flower in early spring or early fall. Seeds need light to germinate and often benefit from a cold stratification period.

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. During winter, avoid heavy mulch or leaf buildup over the basal rosettes. These rosettes need light to remain healthy.

Propagation and Wildlife Resistance

You can propagate Cardinal Flower by dividing young rosettes in spring or by sowing seeds onto bare, moist soil. The plant resists deer and rabbits due to its toxic sap, making it a reliable option in wildlife-heavy areas.