Plant Profile

Cardinal Flower - (Lobelia Cardinalis) is an herbaceous perennial in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) and native to much of the central and eastern United States. It is found in moist locations and may grow 4 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The common and scientific names reference the red flowers and their resemblance to the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

This plant is easily grown in rich, medium to wet soil and in part shade to full sun, although afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, and it will tolerate brief flooding. Root mulch can be applied to help retain soil moisture and to protect the root system in cold winter climates.

Cardinal Flower is considered a short-lived perennial, which produces only a basal rosette during its first year. Removing debris and exposing open ground around mature plants in fall will aid in stronger natural recruitment.  Propagate this plant either by seed or by separating the rosettes from the parent plant in the spring. The brilliant red blooms of the Cardinal Flower first mature in late summer and continue into mid-fall. The showy flowers begin opening at the bottom of a terminal flower spike and are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

This plant is effective in moist areas of woodland shade gardens, wet meadows or along streams and ponds. It may also be used in butterfly, native, pollinator, rain and water gardens. It adds late summer bloom and height to borders as long as the soil is kept uniformly moist.