Lobelia cardinalis
Cardinal Flower
Family |
Campanulaceae |
Genus |
Lobelia |
Species |
cardinalis |
Category |
Perennials, Weeds |
Synonyms |
Lobelia fulgens |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
3 - 9 |
Canadian Hardiness Zone |
1a - 8a |
RHS Hardiness Zone |
H3 - H7 |
Temperature (°C) |
-40 - (-1) |
Temperature (°F) |
-40 - 30 |
Height |
1 m |
Spread |
30 cm |
Landscape |
Provides late summer bloom to a perennial border, wild, native plant or woodland garden. Excellent for butterfly or hummingbird gardens. Also effective near ponds and streams. |
Cultivation |
Easily grown in rich, humusy, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. Needs constant moisture. Will tolerate full sun in cool, northern climates, but otherwise appreciates part shade. Divide clumps in spring as needed. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions. |
Growth |
Fast |
Pests |
No serious disease or insect problems. |
Leaf Description |
Up to 5 ⨉ 20 cm, lanceolate to oval, with a toothed margin. |
Flower Description |
Usually vibrant red, deeply five-lobed and up to 4 cm across. They are produced in an erect raceme up to 70 cm tall during summer to autumn. Forms with white (f. alba) and pink (f. rosea) flowers are also known. |