Description
**Online orders are for local pickup only at our Lake Ann location. We do not ship plants. Select your pickup date at checkout. Orders must be placed at least 1 day before pickup, and plants will be ready by 10am on your selected date.
Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a stunning native perennial known for its brilliant scarlet-red flowers that bloom on tall, upright spikes in late summer. Few native wildflowers can match its intense color, and its preference for moist soils makes it especially valuable for rain gardens, shorelines, and other damp areas of the landscape.
Growing Requirements:
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, rich soil; does not tolerate prolonged drought
- Height: 2 to 4 feet tall
- Spacing: Space 12–18 inches apart
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July–September)
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3–9
Features:
- Brilliant Red Flowers: Tall spikes of vivid scarlet blooms create an incredible burst of late-summer color.
- Excellent for Wet Areas: Thrives in consistently moist soils where many traditional garden perennials struggle.
- Upright Growth Habit: Forms attractive clumps with vertical flower spikes that add height and structure without taking up excessive space.
Ecological Benefits: Red Cardinal Flower is especially valuable to hummingbirds, which are perfectly suited to accessing nectar from its long tubular flowers. The blooms also attract butterflies and other pollinators, providing an important nectar source during late summer.
Landscape Uses: Perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, shorelines, wet meadows, drainage areas, and moist garden beds. It also performs beautifully in part-shade woodland gardens where the soil stays consistently moist. Pair it with Blue Flag Iris, Monkey Flower, Swamp Milkweed, Joe Pye Weed, and native sedges.
Red Cardinal Flower is one of our most striking native wildflowers, combining spectacular red blooms with exceptional hummingbird value and a natural ability to thrive in moist landscapes.
