Cardinal Flower
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Lobelia cardinalis
A native perennial called cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis typically grows in moist locations near streams, sloughs, springs, swamps, and low-wooded areas. It is a short-lived, clump-forming perennial with large, red flowers on unbranched, alternate-leafed stalks reaching 2-3 feet high. The two-lipped tubular flowers have three lobes on the lower lip and two lobes on the upper lip. The plant has dark green, lance-shaped leaves with fine teeth and blooms late in the summer. Butterflies and hummingbirds love the flowers, but cardinals don't. There also exist white and rose-colored versions.
Growing in full sun to part shade is easy, and rich, medium-to-wet soils are preferred. The plant is adaptable to brief flooding but requires constant moisture, so keeping the ground moist is essential. It tolerates full sun in northern climates but prefers part of the afternoon shade in hot climates of the lower Midwest and South. Additionally, mulch will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Nectar Source Plant: Cloudless Giant Sulphur (Phoebis sennae), Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Height: 2’-4'
Spread: 1’-2'
Bloom: July-September
Light: Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium, Wet
Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: North America
Deer Resistant: Yes
Winter Shipping: We will continue to ship throughout winter. If you prefer, we are happy to hold your order until spring; please include that request in your shipping notes.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
