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Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
PerennialCardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Moist – Wet
Soil
Any
Size
2-4'
Bloom
Red, Jul–Sep
Why Grow It
Rain Garden
Thrives in wet areas & manages runoff
Pollinator Magnet
Attracts many types of pollinators
Did You Know?
The brilliant red color is perfectly tuned to attract hummingbirds, which are its primary pollinator.
A short-lived perennial — the parent plant fades after 2–3 years but readily self-seeds nearby.
Named after the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
Wildlife Value
🐦
Hummingbird Magnet
Primary pollinator is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, drawn to its vivid red
🦋
Swallowtail Nectar
Swallowtail butterflies also visit the tubular flowers for nectar
Good Companions
💧 Blue Vervain
🐢 White Turtlehead
🍃 Lady Fern
Planting Guide
- Plant in moist to wet soil along stream banks or in rain gardens
- Part shade is ideal; full sun works only if soil stays consistently moist
- Allow plants to self-seed by leaving spent stalks standing through winter
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li