cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Scarlet red, white or rose
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a perennial for rain gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, and woodland edges. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Its scarlet spikes draw hummingbirds, which pollinate the long tubular flowers. Keep the soil moist at all times and mulch in winter in northern areas.
Pairs well with Cinnamon fern, Blue wild indigo, and Big bluestem.
Native range
North America.