Lobelia Cardinalis

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) is a native herbaceous perennial with an upright, clumping habit, featuring lance-shaped green foliage and brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers packed along tall spikes from late summer into mid-fall. It thrives in moist locations and is especially valued for bringing bold late-season color to rain gardens, pond edges, and woodland plantings. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Type: Perennial
Mature Size: 12–24" W × 48–60" H
USDA Zones: 3a–9b
Form: Upright, clumping

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Rich, medium to wet soils; moderate to high water, prefers consistently moist soil and tolerates brief flooding
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer to mid-fall; long-lasting (4–8 weeks)

Wildlife: Hummingbirds, butterflies

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for rain gardens, water gardens, wet meadows, woodland edges, and plantings near streams or ponds. Its vivid red flower spikes add strong vertical color late in the season and make it a standout in native and pollinator gardens.

Care:
Do not allow soil to dry out. Mulch helps retain moisture and protect the root system in colder climates. Plants can be propagated by seed or by separating rosettes in spring. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage. 

Plant type

Perennial

Height

48 - 60"

Width

12-24"

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Dark Green, Green

Fall color

Dark Green, Purple

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Loamy, Rich, Wet Area

Landscape use

Border, Water Garden, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Clumping, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No