Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The Cardinal Flower is a stunning perennial native to North America, known for its vibrant red spikes of flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Blooming in late summer, this plant thrives in moist environments like stream banks, wet meadows, and woodland gardens. Its striking red blossoms make it a popular choice for adding dramatic color to rain gardens and naturalized landscapes.

Key Characteristics:

• Pollinator magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies
  The brilliant red flowers of the Cardinal Flower are a primary source of nectar for hummingbirds and attract butterflies as well. Its tall, showy spikes make it a standout in any wildlife-friendly garden.
• Ideal for wet conditions
  Cardinal Flower loves moist to wet soils and does exceptionally well along streambanks, ponds, and rain gardens. It is also a great option for areas with poor drainage, where few other plants thrive.
• Late summer color
  Blooming from July through September, the Cardinal Flower offers brilliant red color when many other perennials have already finished flowering, extending your garden’s visual interest late into the season.
• Versatile landscape use
  Perfect for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, rain gardens, and wetlands, Cardinal Flower can be used in mass plantings to create a bold statement or as part of a layered planting scheme in permaculture designs or silvopasture systems.
• Overwintering habitat
  This plant’s dense foliage provides cover and shelter for insects during the winter, helping maintain healthy ecosystems through the colder months.

Product Details:

• Native Range: North America (primarily Eastern U.S.)
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to wet, rich soils
• Mature Height: 2-4 feet
• Bloom Time: July to September
• Bloom Color: Brilliant red
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

This showy native plant is a must-have for gardeners looking to support pollinators and create wetland-inspired gardens. Its love of moisture and eye-catching blooms make it a true standout in any garden design.